Maryland Fights to Block Data Center Power Bills for Residents

Maryland’s consumer watchdog is pushing back against a regional power plan that could force households to pay hundreds of millions of dollars for electricity demand that may never materialize. The Office of People’s Counsel, which protects ratepayers in the state, has filed requests with federal regulators to reject a proposal from PJM, the grid operator for a large portion of the eastern United States. PJM wants to buy power in advance to prepare for a massive surge in electricity use, largely driven by proposed data centers. The problem, according to the Office, is that many of those data centers may never be built. If they are not, Maryland residents would still be stuck covering the cost of power they do not need. The agency is fighting on two fronts: first, to stop PJM’s advance purchase plan, and second, to ensure that any costs tied to speculative projects are not shifted onto everyday households. PJM has argued that buying power now is necessary to keep the grid reliable as demand grows. But Maryland’s consumer advocate says that approach lacks proof that the projected growth is real, and that it unfairly burdens families with financial risk. The final decision now rests with federal energy regulators. If they side with the consumer office, Maryland households could avoid a steep increase in their electricity bills. If they side with PJM, residents may end up paying for power that serves empty buildings.