Utility bill debate intensifies as Gov. Moore, GOP clash over causes

(WBFF) — A heated debate over rising utility bills in Maryland erupted on social media, with Gov. Wes Moore attributing the spike to utility companies, while Republicans argued that state policies are to blame.

Del. Matt Morgan (R-St. Mary’s County) weighed in during an interview on FOX45 News. “BGE might bear some responsibility, but what we’re facing in Maryland is a lack of supply of power,” he said.

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Morgan pointed to the closure of over 16 power plants in the past 15 years and criticized the state’s push for 100% renewable energy by 2035. “It’s the Democratic plan out of Annapolis, the Climate Solution Act, now, that’s really pushing Maryland to a 100% renewable power grid by 2035,” he said.

Morgan proposed a four-point plan to address the issue, including converting idle power plants to natural gas and investing in nuclear energy. He also criticized the Empower Fee Program, which he claimed adds unnecessary costs to consumers’ bills. “That program should go away at this point, or at least be put on a three-year pause,” Morgan said, noting it cost him $34.55 on his personal bill last month.

The Maryland Freedom Caucus plans to introduce legislation to suspend the Empower Fee Program in the upcoming session. Morgan expressed willingness to collaborate with Democrats to reduce rates, stating, “We’d be happy to work with anyone just to make sure the rates go down.”

The 2026 legislative session, when Morgan and the Freedom Caucus’ legislative proposal can be put up for discussion, begins on January 14