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Pulling Ever Lever to Lower Energy Costs

  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

Dear Friend, 


Many options exist to lower energy costs while maintaining safe and reliable sources of energy. Here are some of the levers I have been pulling:



⇒ Containing Data Center Costs

As I wrote in my last newsletter, I organized over 80 members in the Maryland General Assembly to support an Office of People’s Counsel complaint against PJM, our regional grid operator. Right now, Marylanders are scheduled to pay too much for transmission projects that primarily benefit data centers in Virginia. PJM has already assigned $2 Billion (that’s billion with a B) in costs to Maryland households and small businesses even though they have not caused the projects nor meaningfully benefit from them.


A recent Federal Energy Regulatory Commission order related to future transmission projects suggests an agreement with our premise! It remains to be seen if they will agree with us on the specific issues in the filing. Stay tuned.



Workers drill for a residential geothermal well. (Depositphotos)


⇒ Developing Alternative Energy Sources 

I have drafted and championed several major pieces of legislation to help develop alternative sources of energy such as offshore wind, geothermal*, and solar systems. These will help us transition away from fossil fuels. I am also working to find ways to increase storage solutions to meet our peak energy needs and reduce the need for more fossil power generation plants. 


*My geothermal legislation made Maryland a “leader” in creating an economically-viable way to support the development of geothermal systems, particularly in areas most affected by environmental injustice. 



⇒ Reaching Out to the Community

Last month I held another Power in the Park event to promote the many programs and services designed to help Marylanders save money on their energy bills and be more energy efficient. I see this type of community outreach as a vital and natural extension of all my legislative work. Learn more about the resources showcased at the event here.

Improving Safety Along the Colesville Road Corridor 

Last month we tragically lost another neighbor and precious community member, Hanna Wegayehou, who died in a hit-and-run incident on Colesville Road. My heart goes out to her family and community.


I have been working on safety issues on this corridor for many years and I quickly organized a community meeting with residents living near the intersection to discuss ways to make the corridor safer to walk, bike, and drive. Officials from the State Highway Administration (SHA) were on hand and are seeking the community’s input on how to improve safety in the area. Have an idea? Send your comments using this form by July 24th.


You can also reach out to my office (contact information below). I meet regularly with SHA officials to discuss problematic intersections and other issues on state roads. 

ICE Reporting Portal

The number of arrests made by ICE in our community has increased in recent weeks. Montgomery County officials recently announced a reporting portal to share information with the County about Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in the community. The portal can be accessed at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/protecting. It also includes information on the County’s immigration protections and resources on where to turn for help. 

Summer Viewing Recommendations: Me on YouTube!

Need Help on a State Issue?

If you need help with a state issue, please contact my office at Lorig.Charkoudian@house.maryland.gov or leave us a message at (410)-841-3423.


Onward, 


Lorig Charkoudian

 
 
 
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