| Hi – Thank you for speaking out and advocating for energy choice in Maryland. Unfortunately, despite the strong support and the many compelling stories shared this session, the General Assembly did not take action to fix 2024’s Senate Bill 1 (SB 1). As you know, this legislation has made it impossible for suppliers to offer competitive plans, leaving customers with no options, higher utility bills, and no ability to choose the best plan for their needs. In just one year after passage, Maryland went from nearly 300 competitive energy offers on the state shopping website to zero. Thousands of customers are being returned to their utility –– in compliance with the new regulations –– often to pay more for electricity and gas. That’s not consumer protection. That’s a monopoly. Last month, customers, suppliers, and small businesses gathered at the State House to demand lawmakers restore energy choice. Speakers shared how SB 1 has forced Marylanders off their chosen plans and onto higher-cost utility default service. |
| Despite this outcry, the General Assembly closed out its legislative session without acknowledging the unintended consequences of 2024’s SB 1. We must keep the pressure on. We encourage you to contact your legislators and let them know you expect them to make restoring energy choice a top priority in the 2026 legislative session. Please click here to find your legislator’s contact information. You can email, call, or visit their local district office. Here are some helpful resources for when you talk to them. Let us know what they say and if you need any help. Resources Senate Bill 1 Fact Sheet Retail Energy Advancement League Website Messages * This legislation took away the energy choice that many Marylanders relied on. * For years, we’ve had the freedom to choose between different energy suppliers, allowing us to find competitive rates and even opt for clean energy solutions. Tell your lawmaker why you liked your specific supplier/plan. * Senate Bill 1 forced Maryland customers back to default utility service, eliminated long-term contracts, and limited access to innovative energy products. This has resulted in increased energy costs and reduced options for renewable energy. * This legislation did not accomplish the shared goal of improving consumer protection. Instead, it blocked a range of value-added products customers have chosen, including long-term fixed contracts that shield customers from frequent utility rate hikes. * 2024’s Senate Bill 1 pushed us back into a monopoly system where we have little control over our electricity.Please pass legislation to reverse the unintended consequences of 2024’s Senate Bill 1. Thank you again for your advocacy. We’ll be in touch with updates as we prepare for 2026. |