Maryland Utility Restructuring Legislation

Legislation Cite and Date
SB 300 (1999)
SB 504 (4/03)

Low-Income Provisions
The law defined a universal service program as one that "helps low-income customers maintain electric service," and includes "customer bill assistance and payment programs, termination of service protection, and policies and services that help low-income customers to reduce or manage energy consumption in a cost-effective manner."

Low-Income Rate Assistance
The Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP) began in July 2000 with funding of $34 million from a universal service charge to be spent on electric bill payment assistance, arrearage retirement and conservation. SB 504 continued that funding level but limited arrearage retirement funding.

Low-Income Conservation
Effective July 1, 2005, (state fiscal year 2006), the weatherization component has been transferred from OHEP to the Department of Housing and Community Development, the state’s weatherization grantee. OHEP slated $1 million for the weatherization transfer.

Annual Funding (2007 estimate)
Rate Assistance: $41 million (includes state funds)

Funding Mechanism
Surcharge on all customer classes.

Administration
Rate Assistance: Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs, the LIHEAP grantee
Conservation: Department of Housing and Community Development

Pre-Restructuring Funding
Rate Assistance: $10 million yearly
Conservation: less than $1 million yearly

Reports, Evaluations

Electric Universal Service Program Evaluation: Final Evaluation Report, PA Consulting Group, May 2007

Year One Through Six Reports on the EUSP

Page Last Updated: August 29, 2007