Electric utilities in Maryland have been allowed to build hundreds of public EV charging stations while spreading the costs and expenses associated with these charging stations to all of their electric ratepayers. Private businesses cannot compete with entities that have access to risk-free capital through their captive rate base. Furthermore, it does not make sense to subsidize the development of EV charging stations with ratepayer dollars when private businesses are ready and willing to invest their own private capital. We should limit the burden on Maryland residents struggling to pay their power bill from also having to pay for EV charging stations that they may never use.
In 2024, Americans for Affordable Clean Energy (AACE) submitted comments to the Maryland Public Service Commission (MPSC) during their review of the electric utility EV charging station programs. Later in 2024, the MPSC moved to halt the expansion of any new, utility-owned charging stations.
By the end of 2024, Maryland’s utilities—BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, Potomac Edison, and SMECO—filed their Phase II Electric Vehicle Portfolios in Case No. 9478. These Phase II proposals complied with the Commission’s directive to not seek approval for any new charging stations, but they did seek additional ratepayer funds to cover the ongoing operation, maintenance, and other expenses related to their existing charging stations.
Though it's a positive step that utilities are not requesting permission to build more chargers, there are still significant concerns regarding anti-competitive practices. Unlike private businesses, which cannot use ratepayer funds to cover the operational and maintenance costs of their chargers, utilities are allowed to spread these costs across their rate base. This continues to create an unfair competitive environment and discourages private sector investment in the EV charging market in Maryland.
Citizens of Maryland that have concerns about their electricity bill paying for EV charging stations can voice their concerns to the MPSC. Comments must be submitted by March 28, 2025, and a public hearing will be held on April 9, 2025. The Phase II proposals can be accessed through the docket for Case 9478, and additional information on how to submit comments and participate in the hearing is available in the January 21, 2025 document labeled: “Notice of Hearing and Opportunity to Comment.”