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Bill

HB 540

Investor-Owned Electric, Gas, and Gas and Electric Companies - Utility Rate Changes (Public Service Company Transparency Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lorig Charkoudian and 11 co-sponsors

Maryland bill requiring investor-owned utilities to increase transparency in rate-setting and pricing decisions to enhance regulatory oversight and public accountability.

Hearing 2/10 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 540

Legislative bill overview

HB 540, the Public Service Company Transparency Act, establishes new requirements for investor-owned electric and gas utilities in Maryland to increase transparency around rate changes and pricing decisions. The bill appears designed to give regulators and the public greater visibility into how utility companies justify and implement rate increases. It is currently in early legislative stages with a hearing scheduled for February 10, 2026.

Why is this important

Utility rates directly affect household budgets and business operating costs across Maryland. Utilities are regulated monopolies, meaning consumers have no choice of provider, making transparency and oversight particularly important. Rate disputes between utilities and regulators are common, and clearer disclosure requirements could inform public debate and regulatory decision-making.

Potential points of contention

  • Industry compliance costs: Utilities may argue that expanded reporting and transparency requirements increase administrative expenses, which could ultimately be passed to ratepayers
  • Competitive concerns: Investor-owned utilities might claim detailed disclosure of their operational and financial data could disadvantage them relative to public utilities or competitors in adjacent markets
  • Regulatory scope: Disagreement over whether the Public Service Commission's existing authority is sufficient or whether new statutory mandates are necessary to achieve transparency goals

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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