About the Maryland Office of People's Counsel
The mission of the Maryland Office of People's Counsel (OPC) is to represent Maryland's residential utility consumers on matters before the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), federal regulatory agencies and the courts. Every day OPC staff address issues affecting electric, natural gas, telecommunications, private water and certain transportation services, touching the lives of every resident of Maryland.
Created in 1924, OPC is the oldest utility consumer advocacy office of its kind in the United States. The People's Counsel is appointed by the Attorney General of Maryland, with the advice and consent of the Senate. The agency acts independently of other parts of Maryland government.
The People's Counsel
David S. Lapp was appointed People's Counsel by Attorney General Brian E. Frosh. David was sworn into office in April, 2021. See Press Release
Avoid Utility Scams
During the pandemic, scammers may try to take your money if you are behind on your utility bills. See these tips to avoid Utility Scams
State of Emergency
On December 23, 2020 Governor Hogan extended the State of Emergency.
Utility Shut-off Moratorium
The Utility Shut-off Moratorium has ended. Gas and Electric utilities began to send shut-off notices after October 1, 2020. Utilities can shut off services after November 15, 2020. See Commission Order and OPC Alert for details. The Governor's moratorium order has not been extended.
OPC filed a June 26, 2020 Petition asking the PSC to adopt a moratorium during the State of Emergency and statewide utility rules on deferred payment plans, and filed extensive [Comments] in support of the Petition. After a hearing, the PSC adopted rules for a temporary moratorium and statewide deferred payment plans.
Behind on Your Gas or Electric Bill?
If you are behind on your gas and electric bill, or have received a utility disconnection notice, contact your utility immediately immediately to avoid service disconnection. You are entitled to receive at least a 12-month payment plan. Check out OPC's COVID-19 RESOURCE AND COVID-19 ADVOCACY SECTIONS
OPC Continues to Work for You
As the State of Emergency continues, OPC will work hard for you. The shift to remote work changed the way we work, but it did not change our commitment to advocate on your behalf. We continue to represent you in rate cases, merger cases, service and reliability matters, energy supplier litigation and on many other utility issues affecting your interest in affordable and reliable service. We continue to respond promptly to your email and voice mail questions and provide information and assistance.
As the State of Emergency continues OPC will continue that work. We will focus on the financial impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, your ability to pay utility bills during the crisis, and how the utilities will handle the transition after the State of Emergency ends.
Contact OPC at DLInfo_OPC@maryland.gov, or call 410-767-8150 or 800-207-4055 and leave a detailed message.
Additional Information
For the status of a PSC case, please go to the PSC Commission website at www.psc.state.md.us.
At the end of the summer, OPC issued this Alert regarding a temporary moratorium on utility shut-offs, bill assistance and deferred payment plans.
Please see OPC’s RESOURCE GUIDES for information on:
- Energy Bill Assistance
- How to Negotiate Payment Plans with a Utility
- Energy Assistance flyers available (one in English/Spanish, free for distribution
See State of Maryland and Federal websites for up-to-date information on COVID-19.