Community groups praise Pepco’s multi‑year plan for certainty; residents urge denial of failed battery cost recovery

The Maryland Public Service Commission held a public hearing on Pepco’s multiyear rate plan (Case 9702) on May 16, where dozens of in‑person and virtual witnesses offered testimony for and against the utility’s proposal.

Supporters — including small and minority‑owned contractors, local chambers of commerce and education nonprofits — said a multi‑year rate framework would bring budget predictability, enable long‑term planning and sustain contracts that support local hiring. Andy Cabrera, president of Lightility, said the transportation‑electrification program in Pepco’s filing is "crucial in EV adoption in the justice 40 and equity emphasis areas." Brian Levine of the Montgomery County Chamber highlighted Pepco’s emergency response and local procurement, saying the company spent roughly $387,000,000 with local minority‑first suppliers in 2023, representing about 42 percent of that year’s local spend.

Opponents focused on customer protections and a recent failed battery storage project. Sharon Lawrence of the Livingstone Woods homeowners association testified that a proposed 1‑megawatt lithium‑ion battery storage (BESS) installation on Livingston Road was poorly vetted, repeatedly delayed and ultimately relocated; she urged the commission that "the funds for the...that have been canceled, delayed should not be included in the rate increase for rate payers." Patricia Monroe, president of the South Lawn Citizens Association, similarly argued that canceled or failed projects ‘‘should not be included in the rate increase for rate payers’’ and called for stronger regulatory oversight.

Other speakers described how Pepco‑funded community programs and foundations have provided emergency bill assistance and educational partnerships. Terry Blanton of Interfaith Works said Pepco’s foundation provided about $1,200,000 over 15 years to help roughly 2,600 families with emergency utility assistance, and Nava Abadame, representing a student STEM program, said more than 3,000 students have participated in Pepco‑partnered EV education activities.

Several witnesses—including Herbert Jones, president of the North Area Civic Association—argued the multiyear plan shifts substantial project risk to ratepayers and called for stronger periodic community hearings or a return to traditional rate‑making to allow fuller review of projects and outcomes. Jones summarized his concern: "The multiyear rate plan shifts substantial risk to ratepayers." Other witnesses pressed the commission to require clearer vetting of contractors, community engagement before siting projects and explicit limits on recovery of costs tied to failed or relocated projects.

The hearing was a forum for testimony and did not include a vote. Commissioners presiding over the session included Richard Imeid (presiding), with Chair Hoover joining virtually; Commissioners Kumar Barre and Monique Sachman were also present. The commission invited written comments and said participants may file additional materials through the commission’s public comment portal.

The Public Service Commission has not announced a decision date for Case 9702. The hearing record will be part of the contested‑case evidence the commission reviews before any formal ruling.