Jan 24, 2008 6:49 pm US/Eastern
Energy Crisis Looms In Maryland
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
With the average BGE electric bill set to go up another $100 a year, Maryland is in the midst of an energy crisis.
You can blame the rising costs on a wholesale market that the state has no control over. The new increases will mark an 85 percent total increase since deregulation.
"They're not going to go down. The only thing we have control of is our energy usage," said Rob Gould from Constellation Energy.
That can be coupled with predictions of rolling blackouts within three years because of growing demand.
It leaves you with few options other than conservation, according to consumer advocate Johanna Newmann.
"For every dollar we invest in energy efficiency, we can get up to $4 in savings for consumers," said Newmann. "I would say deregulation has failed Marylanders on essentially all fronts."
The governor is pushing legislation that would give homeowners millions in incentives for items like energy-efficient appliances.
It aims to reduce energy use by 15 percent over seven years.
"The reality is, energy prices are where they are. This is a global problem. It's not just something that's localized to Baltimore and Maryland," said Gould.
Richard Deutchmann installs solar heating systems in homes and businesses.
He says Maryland is poised to become one of the five biggest solar markets in the county.
"The rate increases have certainly increased calls coming into our company," said Deutchmann. "People again are upset by it. They're also looking at it as a long-term liability. We've got a transmission shortage looming in this state."
Demand increased 16 percent between 1999 and 2005 alone.
With energy prices continuing to rise, experts say you should brace for higher bills in the future.
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