Mid-Atlantic Residents Brace for Rising Electricity Costs Electricity bills are poised to increase for residents of Maryland, Washington D.C., and Virginia, stemming from adjustments to the region’s capacity market. This system, designed to guarantee sufficient power generation to meet demand, has undergone a significant overhaul, and the new regulations are already impacting consumer costs. BGE customers are anticipated to experience the most substantial increases, potentially averaging $35 per month. Pepco and Dominion customers are also facing higher bills as a result of these changes. State officials in Maryland are currently exploring options to mitigate the impact of these rate hikes. Beyond the immediate financial strain on households, the shift in the capacity market's structure highlights a broader conversation about energy pricing and regional power grids. The previous pricing mechanism was considered inequitable and has been replaced, triggering the current wave of increased costs. For detailed information on the weather forecast, visit [https://www.nbcwashington.com/weather/](https://www.nbcwashington.com/weather/). News4 Late News will air at 3:30 AM. Consider subscribing to the newsletter for further updates. In other regional news, concerns are being raised about the future health of the Chesapeake Bay. A recent report examines efforts to protect the vital waterway, underscoring the ongoing challenges it faces. The Capital Jewish Museum has received a security grant in response to anxieties surrounding a planned LGBTQ exhibit. Tragically, a shooting near the museum resulted in the deaths of two employees of the Israeli Embassy. For more information on the shooting, [https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/police-investigate-shooting-in-downtown-dc/3919196/](https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/police-investigate-shooting-in-downtown-dc/3919196/). A controversial comment made by Donald Trump Jr. regarding Jill Biden's response to Joe Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis has also generated considerable discussion. [https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/donald-trump-jr-mocks-jill-biden-joe-biden-prostate-cancer-diagnosis/3917690/](https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/national-international/donald-trump-jr-mocks-jill-biden-joe-biden-prostate-cancer-diagnosis/3917690/).

The Push for Reform: A New Approach to Renewable Energy Pricing In a bid to overhaul the way utilities set rates for renewable energy, a new bill has been introduced in the US House of Representatives. Dubbed the "Only Pay" bill, this legislation seeks to reform the current system that allows utility companies to generate excessive profits by adding markups to the cost of renewable energy. The current pricing structure has led to high electricity bills for low-income communities and ratepayers alike. By allowing utilities to capture a significant portion of their revenue from selling renewable energy, the system perpetuates a cycle of profiteering that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. The "Only Pay" bill aims to break this cycle by requiring utilities to pay only the cost of generating electricity from renewable sources. This new approach would significantly benefit consumers in the long run. According to estimates, ratepayers could save up to $12.3 billion over a 20-year period as a result of reduced costs associated with renewable energy production. By eliminating markups and focusing solely on the actual cost of generating electricity, utilities would be incentivized to invest more in renewable energy infrastructure and reduce their overall carbon footprint. The bill's introduction has garnered support from Representative Shane Mekeland, who sees this legislation as an important step towards promoting sustainable energy practices and reducing rates for ratepayers. While the bill faces challenges in the Democrat-controlled Senate, the committee vote serves as a crucial first step towards reforming the utility industry and driving positive change. Key Highlights of the "Only Pay" Bill * Requires utilities to pay only the cost of generating electricity from renewable sources * Estimated savings for consumers: up to $12.3 billion over 20 years * Aimed at reducing rates for low-income communities and promoting sustainable energy practices

As Mikie Sherrill prepares to take office as New Jersey's next governor, she is facing a pressing issue: the state's rapidly rising electricity costs. With rates increasing by 22% in just over a year, Sherrill has pledged to declare a state of emergency and explore new nuclear energy production to stabilize utility rates and reduce costs for consumers, with plans including expanding nuclear capacity in Salem County and collaborating with neighboring states to drive cost savings through regional economies of scale.

Legislator highlights disparities in revenue and support for gas versus renewable energy industries.

A dispute has arisen between the Maryland Consumer Protection Division and PJM Interconnection, a regional grid operator responsible for electricity flow across the Mid-Atlantic area. Maryland is alleging that PJM's current pricing and resource management strategies are detrimental to Maryland consumers, resulting in elevated electricity costs. The core of the complaint centers on accusations that PJM’s practices unfairly benefit specific energy sources or generators while potentially hindering the expansion of renewable energy initiatives. The Maryland Consumer Protection Division is actively pursuing remedies, which could encompass adjustments to pricing structures, modifications to resource allocation, and possible financial restitution for affected consumers. PJM Interconnection, facing this challenge, maintains that its operational methods are fair and vital for maintaining grid reliability. The dispute highlights a broader context of states attempting to incorporate more renewable energy into their electrical grids, a process that can introduce complexities for grid operators tasked with ensuring a stable system. This situation underscores the significance of regional grid operators like PJM, who are essential for consistent electricity delivery across the United States. Maryland’s concerns specifically revolve around the fairness of PJM’s pricing, the allocation of energy resources, and the perceived lack of acknowledgment of the advantages – both economic and environmental – associated with renewable energy. The outcome of this challenge could lead to significant changes, including revisions to PJM’s pricing models, shifts in resource allocation policies potentially favoring renewable projects, and the possibility of financial compensation for Maryland consumers. The case emphasizes the need for increased transparency and accountability within regional grid operations.

Senator demands clarity on budget impacts and pricing amid rising power demand concerns.