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RESA Seeks Re-introduction Of Residential Utility Consolidated Billing In Maryland After Dec. 31, 2027
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In comments filed in a rulemaking to update Maryland PSC retail energy billing requirements, the Retail Energy Supply Association has sought to require that utilities offer residential utility consolidated billing after December 31, 2027
As first reported by EnergyChoiceMatters.com, Maryland PSC Staff has proposed rule changes to reflect the end of residential POR under SB1, and to memorialize the PSC's order that utilities are not required to offer residential UCB.
See full details here
Current rule language states that, "A supplier may elect to use utility consolidated billing," suggesting a requirement that UCB must be made available upon election by a supplier. Staff proposes to condition a supplier's ability to elect UCB to being available only, "if provided by a utility"
RESA proposed language providing that, "A utility is required to provide utility consolidated billing for residential retail supply after December 31, 2027, as directed by the Commission."
RESA again emphasized that SB1 did not require the elimination of residential UCB, only residential POR.
The PSC ordered the end of residential UCB due to cost concerns for implementation of residential UCB without POR
RESA noted the lack of residential shopping since UCB ended, citing data recently reported by the utilities, as previously reported by EnergyChoiceMatters.com (story here)
RESA also objected to proposed rule changes which could relieve utilities of their current obligation, for non-residential customers, to offer either UCB with POR, or UCB with a pro-rata payment methodology. RESA said that Staff's proposed additional billing option for utilities -- "a Commission approved payment posting sequence to apportion customer payments between the utility and a supplier" -- is not limited to residential service under the proposed language
RESA said, "SB1 did not apply to non-residential customers. Therefore, there is no reason to change the current process that allows the utility to choose between POR or pro-rata for non-residential customers."
RESA also generally objected to the additional billing option of, "a Commission approved payment posting sequence to apportion customer payments between the utility and a supplier," with RESA arguing that pro-rata payments are the appropriate mechanism for UCB if POR is not in place
RESA also said that Staff's proposed rules do not align with prior determinations made in the design of supplier consolidated billing
Among other things, the SCB rules allow suppliers to charge a late payment fee of up to 5%
Staff's draft rules would apply a different late payment fee limit to dual billing by a supplier: a charge of up to 1.5% after the first billing interval; up to another 1.5% after the second billing interval; and up to 2% thereafter on the unpaid portion with the total charge not exceeding 5%
RESA said, "the proposed [dual billing] late fee rules will result in higher operational costs by suppliers that utilize dual billing. A supplier providing dual billing, and that wants to charge late payment fees to incentivize timely payment, will be required to incorporate these late payment charge capabilities into its systems and to track them monthly, which will result in higher operational costs and higher prices for its customers."
RM96, RM 96
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Warns Proposed Rules Could Allow Utilities To Use Mechanism Other Than POR (or Pro Rata) For Non-Residential UCB
June 26, 2026
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Copyright 2026 EnergyChoiceMatters.com
Reporting by Paul Ring • ring@energychoicematters.com
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