State and Local legislative

Public Conference 53 was convened by the Public Service Commission (PSC) in 2020 to address the extraordinary challenges many residential utility customers faced during the first phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PSC enacted several protections which, effective April 1, 2023 will be lifted.

To learn more, read Order No 90455. 

Current COVID-19 (PC53 Protections in place for residential utility customers that will expire April 1, 2023.

• Customers have 30 days from the issuance of a turn-off notice to resolve their outstanding bill.
• Minimum payment plan length of 12 months is available for all customers.
• A down payment or payment of unpaid deposit cannot be a condition of entering a payment plan.

What will happen after the protection expires April 1, 2023.

• Customers have 14 days from the issuance of turn-off notice to resolve their outstanding bill.
• Utilities are permitted to require down payment as a condition to enter a payment plan.
• There are no minimum payment plan length requirements.

The State of Maryland has developed a program which sets a limit on the amount of property taxes any homeowner must pay based upon his or her income. The Homeowners' Tax Credit is not automatically granted and each person must apply and disclose his or her income.     The deadline to apply is October 1st of each year. However, it is to your advantage to submit the application by April 15th so that any credit due you can be deducted beforehand from the initial July tax bill. To learn more about the Homeowners' Property Tax Credit, click here.      The Renters' Tax Credit Program provides property tax credits for renters who meet certain requirements. The plan is based upon the relationship between rent and income. Under specified conditions, the renter may receive a credit of as much as $1,000.To learn more about the Renters' Tax Credit, click here.

People's Counsel is David S. Lapp. Our team is here to help and advocate for you. We represent Maryland residential customers before the Public Service Commission and federal agencies, and we provide you assistance dealing with your utility issues, including affordable and reliable service.   Are your customers raving about you on social media? Share their great stories to help turn potential customers into loyal ones.

Office of People’s Counsel •  (410) 767-8150 / (800) 207-4055

  •  www.opc.maryland.gov