Maryland gas customers have been faced with massive heating bills and increasing rates in recent years.

A key factor driving the rate hikes has been spending on gas pipes and equipment under the state STRIDE law, which did not require gas pipeline spending to be cost effective nor prioritize safety. For example, since BGE launched its multi-billion dollar “Operation Pipeline,” gas delivery rates have skyrocketed along with BGE profits, yet gas leaks have increased and BGE is being investigated by the PSC for safety violations.

In April, Gov. Moore signed provisions of the Ratepayer Protection Act into law to require gas pipeline spending to prioritize safety and be cost effective.

Please tell the Maryland Public Service Commission to move quickly on their gas system planning work and pause gas pipeline replacements until gas utilities can demonstrate their programs are properly prioritizing safety and that spending is cost effective.