ANNAPOLIS, MD—The Maryland Freedom Caucus is criticizing the state’s recently announced energy rebate program, calling the measure insufficient to address rising energy costs for residents. The caucus, a group of conservative state delegates, says the rebates are “crumbs” and a distraction from what they call the Moore administration’s failed energy policies.
The first of two promised rebates, part of the Next Generation Energy Act signed earlier this year, is now being distributed. The rebates, funded by the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, are intended to provide relief to utility customers. According to the caucus, the timing is late, and the average $40 credit is too little to make a meaningful difference.
Delegate Robin Grammer, a caucus member, stated that the rebates are a small gesture while the state continues to levy the EmPOWER Maryland surcharge, which he says costs residential customers hundreds of dollars annually. “Governor Moore has the power to suspend it today,” Grammer said in a press release.
Delegate Brian Chisholm, a founding member of the caucus, added that the group has offered “common-sense” solutions to the energy crisis since February. The caucus’s four-part energy plan includes:
- Reopening recently closed power plants and ensuring the permanent operation of the Brandon Shores and Wagner plants.
- Halting EmPOWER program fees immediately through an executive order.
- Ending “arbitrary climate mandates” that the caucus claims are driving up costs.
- Advancing nuclear energy by adding it to the Tier 1 list of energy sources.
The caucus argues that these measures would provide “immediate relief” and lower long-term energy costs. The press release concluded by stating, “Marylanders didn’t ask for political theater, they asked for affordable energy.”
Maryland leaders, including Governor Wes Moore, announced the $200 million energy rebate program, with each household receiving two credits averaging around $40. The first is expected this fall, with the second slated for January or February 2026. The program’s funding comes from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, which is composed of money from utility companies that do not meet state renewable energy standards.
The Maryland Freedom Caucus has repeatedly called on Moore to use his executive authority to enact parts of their plan, but so far, he has not.
