Maryland Governor Moore Announces $19 Million Energy Bill Relief Fund

Maryland Governor Wes Moore has announced a $19 million energy bill relief fund aimed at helping low- to middle-income families manage soaring energy costs across the state. The fund, supported by donations from Exelon and administered through local nonprofit partners, provides one-time grants of $250 to $750 for BGE customers and up to $300 for Pepco and Delmarva Power customers. Despite the relief, residents like Earl Thomas and Svea Hernandez report that their energy bills have increased dramatically, with some individuals experiencing monthly charges in the thousands and others seeing bills rise by hundreds of dollars after losing natural shade or upgrading cooling systems. While the grants offer some assistance, community members express concern that the aid may not be sufficient to offset the sharp increases in energy costs affecting not only low-income households but also those earning $40,000 or more annually. The relief program is a response to recent rounds of utility price hikes, highlighting the ongoing financial strain on Marylanders during hot weather. Overall, the initiative is viewed as a helpful but limited step toward addressing the broader challenge of escalating energy expenses.