BALTIMORE, MD - The Public Service Commission of Maryland (Commission) has announced a public hearing to scrutinize the electric purchased power cost adjustment charges of Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SMECO). This regulatory oversight is part of the Commission's commitment to ensuring fair and reasonable utility rates for Maryland residents. The hearing is slated for Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 10 a.m., marking the continuation of the Commission's annual review process as mandated by state regulations.
The session will take place in the Commission's 19th floor hearing room, located in the William Donald Schaefer Tower at 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland. In a move towards transparency and public participation, the hearing will also be live-streamed on the Commission's Public Utility Law Judge Division's YouTube Channel, accessible via this link.
This hearing is part of Case No. 9504(r), which specifically addresses the electric purchased power cost adjustment charges applied by SMECO. These charges are a critical component of the overall electricity bill for consumers, designed to account for fluctuations in the cost of purchasing power on behalf of its customers. The review process by the Commission is a safeguard against unjust and unreasonable rates, ensuring that SMECO's charges remain in alignment with the actual costs of procured electricity and fair utility practices.
The Commission's diligent oversight is instrumental in maintaining a balanced relationship between utility companies and their customers. By conducting these hearings, the Commission aims to provide a platform for transparency, allowing for public scrutiny and input on the methodologies and practices affecting utility rates. This annual review process serves as a crucial checkpoint, ensuring that adjustments made to the electric purchased power cost adjustment charges are justified and in the best interest of the consumers served by SMECO.
The Public Service Commission of Maryland encourages public participation in the regulatory process. Interested parties and the general public are invited to attend the hearing to gain insight into the proceedings and to stay informed about decisions that may impact their utility bills. For those unable to attend in person, the live streaming option offers a convenient alternative to stay engaged with the Commission's efforts to regulate utility rates and services.
As the hearing approaches, stakeholders and consumers alike are keen to understand the implications of the Commission's review on SMECO's rate structures. The outcome of this process could potentially influence electricity bills, highlighting the importance of the Commission's role in balancing the interests of the utility company with those of its customers. The public hearing on March 26 represents a significant step in this ongoing dialogue, reflecting the Commission's proactive approach to utility regulation and consumer protection in Maryland.
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