Overview
- Negotiators say the compromise would cut the average electric bill by about $150 a year by shrinking the EmPOWER surcharge and using $100 million from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund.
- The plan pauses forecast-based multi‑year rate cases for one year and directs the Public Service Commission to study them, with any underspending returned to customers.
- Utility executive bonuses above $285,000 would be paid by shareholders, and utilities could not charge customers for PJM membership fees.
- Data centers would get faster permits but must pay for the grid connections or upgrades they trigger, in line with a tariff adopted last year.
- The agreement still needs final House and Senate votes, and Republican leaders and Maryland PIRG argue the relief is too small and weakens oversight.