Maryland Plans $200M Energy Rebates to Counter Rising Household Costs

Maryland Governor Wes Moore, together with legislative leaders, has announced a $200 million energy rebate program to provide direct financial relief to Maryland families facing rising energy costs. The rebates, mandated by the Next Generation Energy Act and funded through the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, will be distributed in two payments—one in late 2025 and another in early 2026—averaging between $30 and $67 per household depending on utility usage. This initiative aims to address recent increases in electricity bills caused by capacity auction price spikes and other factors, with the first payment scheduled to alleviate costs after the high summer electricity demand and the second during the winter heating season. Governor Moore emphasized the urgency of relief, stating that Marylanders need assistance immediately, while legislative leaders highlighted the state's commitment to making energy more affordable and resilient. However, Republican lawmakers criticized the rebates as short-term fixes, arguing for more structural reforms to address the root causes of high energy rates, including the need for reliable in-state energy generation and better utility rate management. The program reflects a bipartisan tension between immediate financial relief efforts and long-term energy policy solutions in Maryland.