Utilities in Maryland should attract more low-income residents to energy savings programs, report says

Low-income utility customers in Maryland pay more collectively for energy savings programs offered by utilities than they receive in benefits, according to the Office of People’s Counsel for Maryland, a state agency that advocates for residential utility consumers. All utility consumers statewide pay a surcharge on their gas and electric bills for EmPOWER, which is a mix of programs rewarding consumers who reduce energy consumption.