Maryland State Energy Agency Supports Stay Of BGE Prepay Case Pending Review of Supplier Consolidated Billing Petition

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) moved to stay the Maryland PSC's consideration of a proposed prepay pilot program at Baltimore Gas & Electric pending a review of a petition from several suppliers to implement supplier consolidated billing (SCB)

As first reported by EnergyChoiceMatters.com, several suppliers have petitioned the PSC to implement supplier consolidated billing, which would allow prepay service among other new product offerings. Several retail suppliers and RESA moved to stay consideration of BGE's proposal pending a decision on SCB

MEA proposes to stay the BGE prepay proceedings until January 31, 2018, or until the Public Service Commission (PSC) issues an order as to how it will proceed forward with supplier consolidated billing

"Assuming supplier consolidated billing was made available in Maryland, there may not be a need to implement BGE's proposed pre-paid billing pilot, which stands to cost Maryland customers an estimated $1.6 million," MEA said

"The SCB Petition indicates a desire by retail suppliers to provide billing services, including pre-paid billing," MEA noted

"Accordingly, because a decision by PSC as to whether the State should move forward with supplier consolidated billing could potentially save Maryland customers $1.6 million and would give additional time to consider any unintended effects, MEA supports staying the proceedings," MEA said