Maryland:
Politicians play games with rate hikes

Apr 24, 2006

Leading Democrats in Maryland claimed they are opposed to the 72 per cent electric rate hike BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric Company) wants starting July 1. But the state legislature – controlled in both houses by the Democrats – adjourned recently without taking any action to prevent the hike. They handed it over to Governor Ehrlich, a Republican, to deal with.

Now the Democrats have gone home, congratulating themselves. Since the governor is likely to do whatever BGE wants, he will face the angry voters in November. The Democrats are hoping that voters will forget all about the legislative session when they could have voted against the rate increases – but didn’t.

Voters will have monthly utility bills reminding them of these political games.