Maryland lawmakers just handed BGE a political gut punch. On March 17, the Maryland House passed the Utility RELIEF Act 108-25 — a sweeping energy bill backed by Governor Wes Moore that promises to save the average household at least $150 per year on utility bills, starting as soon as this summer.
That's real money. And it's almost law.
But here's the catch: it's not law yet. And while the bill sits in the Senate, BGE is still charging you 19.87¢ per kilowatt-hour — the result of three separate rate increases in the first three months of 2026 alone.
What the RELIEF Act Actually Does
The Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act takes several targeted shots at the fees buried in your BGE bill:
- Reduces the EmPOWER Maryland surcharge — that line item on your bill that funds energy efficiency programs. BGE has been collecting it for years. Under the new law, that charge drops fast.
- Caps utility executive compensation — yes, you've been paying for BGE executives' salaries through your bill. That stops.
- Redirects $100 million/year to solar and battery storage — building the energy supply Maryland desperately needs to keep rates stable long-term.
House Democrats believe the $150/year estimate is actually conservative. For low-income households, the savings could be significantly higher.
BGE Is Not Happy About It
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BGE, Pepco, and Delmarva issued a joint statement "urging caution" as the bill heads to the Senate. Translation: the utilities are lobbying hard to water it down before it becomes law.
The same week, the Maryland PSC opened an investigation into a former BGE gas inspector accused of falsifying safety records. Baltimore restaurants and manufacturers are absorbing five-figure annual energy bills. Maryland energy costs have climbed nearly 50% since 2020.
BGE reported $578 million in profit last year.
What This Means for You Right Now
If the RELIEF Act passes, relief might arrive this summer. If it gets watered down in the Senate — or delayed — you could be paying today's rates well into 2027.
Community solar is different. It's not a bill — it's a guaranteed discount, locked in now, regardless of what BGE or the Senate does next.
StarShine subscribers in BGE territory pay a fixed percentage less than BGE's rate, every month. If rates go up (and they will — BGE's next rate case must be filed before 2027), your discount stays. If the RELIEF Act passes, your savings stack on top.
Maryland community solar became permanent as of February 2025. The program is funded. The spots are limited.
Don't wait for a bill to pass. Lock in your discount today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does the Maryland Utility RELIEF Act do?
A: The RELIEF Act (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) reduces the EmPOWER Maryland surcharge on utility bills, caps utility executive compensation that gets billed to ratepayers, and redirects $100 million per year toward solar and battery storage. The average household would save at least $150/year.
Q: Has the Maryland RELIEF Act become law?
A: As of early 2026, the bill passed the Maryland House 108-25 and is moving through the Senate. It has not yet been signed into law. BGE is still charging current rates while the bill is pending.
Q: Is community solar different from the Maryland RELIEF Act?
A: Yes — completely separate. The RELIEF Act is legislation that may or may not pass. Community solar is a state-regulated program you can enroll in today, with guaranteed savings regardless of what happens in Annapolis.
Q: Can I benefit from both the RELIEF Act and community solar?
A: Yes. If the RELIEF Act passes, its bill reductions stack on top of your community solar credits. You're not choosing one or the other — community solar works now, and RELIEF Act savings would be additive.
Q: What is the minimum BGE bill for community solar subscribers in Maryland?
A: Maryland law caps your bill at BGE's fixed customer charge — currently $9.65/month — when your community solar output exceeds your monthly usage. That's the legal floor. You can never owe more than that in supply charges.
Related Reading
- BGE Raised Rates Again in 2026 — Here's How Maryland Homeowners Are Pushing Back
- How Maryland Renters Save 10–20% on BGE Bills with Community Solar (2026 Guide)
- Ameren Illinois rates are rising — and they're just getting started. Here's how to opt out.
- What Is Community Solar? How It Works (Plain-English Guide)
Maryland solar incentives: Maryland Solar Access Program grants available through June 5, 2026. Minimum fixed bill: $9.65/mo. Surplus subscribers pay only the fixed charge — zero supply charges.