Touts “Alternative Energy Sources” While Drastically Cutting Electric Power Plants in Maryland
Maryland is currently facing a perfect storm:
- Sudden component failures (like the Baltimore Gas ELectric substation),
- Reducing generation capacity (plant retirements),
- High demand driven by new infrastructure and electrification.
And Governor Wes Moore is fine with it. In fact, he is promoting it. While electric and other power bills in Maryland skyrocket, he promotes inadequate windmills and other “green” energy sources. Here is the initiative he announced this week:
Governor Wes Moore today announced the debut of a newly rewired $2 million initiative to help lower electricity costs and improve grid resilience by making battery storage more accessible for Maryland residents and business owners. The Maryland Energy Administration will now cover the costs of purchasing and installing battery energy storage systems to promote the expansion of the promising clean energy technology statewide through the Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Program.
“While corporate greed continues to drive up energy costs for Marylanders, our administration is fighting to bring prices down,” said Gov. Moore. “When we invest in clean energy, we help expand supply. When we expand supply, we help rein in utility expenses for everyone. Together, we are making Maryland more affordable, more resilient, and more competitive — all at the same time.”
The Residential and Commercial Energy Storage program helps make battery storage more accessible to all Marylanders, supports local grid reliability, and advances the state’s economic, clean energy and climate goals. Formerly offered as a tax credit, the Maryland Energy Administration has redefined this program to begin offering rebates due to the evolving needs of Maryland’s residents and energy marketplace.
Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Grant Program
For more on this initiative here is a link to his page:
Critics say that the program has many problems and, in the end, won’t lower energy costs for most Marylanders. According to some sources customers face a $16.00 a month increase on their BGE bills, an increase that far outpaces the so-called savings. Baltimore Gas and Electric paints an even more dire situation, saying that rates will go up by about $21 a month.
Republican State Delegate Brian Chisholm stated, “Maryland families are being crushed by extreme policies out of Annapolis that have made electricity unaffordable.”
Delegate Kathy Szeliga added, “The number one thing that we are all hearing from constituents is how high their electric bill is… We have yet to hear one thing that would lower power bills immediately.”
Also, many battery storage initiatives have been stalled or canceled, particularly due to delays in transmission upgrades by the regional grid operator. These upgrades are crucial for replacing aging fossil fuel infrastructure like the Brandon Shores coal plant near Baltimore. This leads to rolling power outages like the one on August 11, 2025.
On August 11, 2025, a Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) substation failure caused a major disruption early. It tripped Brandon Shores Units 1 & 2 and impacted the nearby Wagner power station, leaving central Maryland with limited ability to transfer power. This caused localized outages.
Around 4,000 customers in Howard County experienced ~30-minute outages during this period; BGE has since repaired the substation and warned that outages shouldn’t recur unless the repair fails. WBAL Baltimore News
The state is actively pushing for grid upgrades, conservation, and new generation investment, but the transition won’t be painless or immediate. The two plants involved were previously scheduled for retirement this year, but were kept running through May 31, 2029 in order to make sure the power grid stayed reliable, especially in Baltimore.
As a precautionary measure, Baltimore Gas and Electric requested customers to conserve electricity beginning August 11 to lessen strain on the system and avoid additional outages. These included avoiding high-energy appliances and using fans or window shades. WBAL Baltimore News
BGE also cautioned about potential “rolling blackouts” during peak periods in 2025 if the energy situation doesn’t improve.
But Governor Wes Moore tells citizens that the increased costs and problems are because of “greedy” power companies and that he is fighting for “clean energy sources” like windmills and solar power. Marylanders aren’t buying it and his poll numbers show that, dipping below 50% approval rating for the first time in his term.
A recent poll shows Marylanders are deeply worried about spiking electricity bills: 57% say their bills are much higher than a year ago; only 21% felt unaffected. Baltimore Fishbowl
Could it be that the Governor’s false claims that he is lowering power rates, taxes, and crime rates in Baltimore City are finally affecting a man many say is in the process of running for President in 2028?
It’s entirely possible.
But then again, just like safety, having and paying for electricity is something he and his family don’t have to worry about.
-Jan Greenhawk
The post Moore Ignores Affordability Of Electricity For Consumers In Order To Promote Inefficient, Expensive “Green” Energy appeared first on The Easton Gazette.
