Cox Demands Transparency on Soaring Electric Bills, Files MPIA Requests to Moore Administration

By MDBayNews Staff

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox announced Thursday that he has filed multiple Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) requests seeking records from the administration of Wes Moore related to communications with the state’s major electric utilities and regional grid operator.

Cox said the requests, submitted at his personal expense, seek communications, internal discussions, enforcement actions, investigations, and potential litigation strategies involving Baltimore Gas & Electric, Pepco, Delmarva Power & Light, Potomac Edison, and PJM Interconnection dating back to November 1, 2025.

“Marylanders Deserve Answers”

Cox argues that families across Maryland are facing what he described as “sometimes tripled or even quadrupled electric bills,” and says ratepayers deserve transparency regarding what actions — if any — the governor’s office has taken in response.

“It is an outrageous burden on Marylanders to now face sometimes tripled or even quadrupled electric bills without any executive action by the Governor to order immediate substantial relief,” Cox said in a statement.

He criticized Moore’s public messaging on rising costs, arguing that shifting blame to foreign tariffs does not address what he sees as failures within state oversight.

Cox has called on the governor to issue executive orders to freeze electric rate increases implemented since November 2025, halt collections and fees, and direct the Maryland Energy Administration, the Public Service Commission (PSC), and the Office of the People’s Counsel (OPC) to produce an immediate relief plan.

Budget Oversight and Energy Agencies

Cox also pointed to the size of the state’s energy-related oversight infrastructure, noting that Maryland operates under a roughly $68–70 billion budget.

He cited funding levels that include:

• Approximately $8.3 million for the Office of the People’s Counsel;
• Approximately $30 million for the Public Service Commission;
• Approximately $287 million for the Maryland Energy Administration;
• Approximately $23 million for the Office of the Governor.

Cox argued that these combined resources — roughly $350 million in taxpayer-funded operations — should have yielded stronger protections for ratepayers amid rising electricity costs.

Questions Over RGGI Funds

In addition to the MPIA requests, Cox raised concerns about the use of funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). He referenced reports that approximately $300 million in ratepayer-derived funds within the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF) were redirected to help balance the state budget.

Cox said he is examining whether that allocation contributed to higher costs for Maryland households and businesses, and whether more of those funds could have been used to offset rate increases.

“I am investigating what I believe is unacceptable inaction,” Cox said. “Marylanders deserve transparency and immediate relief.”

The Broader Debate

Energy policy and electricity pricing are emerging as central issues in Maryland’s 2026 gubernatorial race. Wholesale electricity markets are influenced by regional capacity auctions and grid management decisions overseen by PJM, while retail rates are regulated by the Maryland Public Service Commission.

The Moore administration has previously attributed rising costs to a mix of national energy market pressures, infrastructure constraints, and federal policy impacts.

Cox’s MPIA filings signal that the campaign intends to scrutinize the administration’s internal communications and strategy — potentially turning energy costs into a defining ballot issue for Maryland voters heading into 2026.

For now, Marylanders awaiting relief on their electric bills may soon see a new front open in the political battle over who is responsible — and what should be done next.

---

Keep MDBayNews Reporting Free

MDBayNews exists to help Marylanders understand decisions made by state and local leaders — especially when those decisions affect daily life, rights, and public services.

If this article helped clarify what’s happening or why it matters, reader support makes it possible to keep publishing clear, independent reporting like this.

👉 Support Local Journalism

Have a tip or documents to share?

We review submissions carefully and confidentially. Anonymous tips are welcome when appropriate.

 👉 Submit a Tip