HB 842
Department of Legislative Services
Maryland General Assembly
2021 Session
FISCAL AND POLICY NOTE
Third Reader
House Bill 842 (Delegate Howard)
Economic Matters Finance
Electric Companies - Billing Information
This bill requires an electric company, on request of a retail electricity customer, to provide
the customer the historic usage and billing information for the customer’s account for at
least the 12 preceding months. The information must be made available to the customer in
one of the following forms, as requested by the customer: (1) information accessible on
the electric company’s website; (2) information provided electronically in a searchable
PDF format; or (3) a physical document sent to the customer at the customer’s billing
address.
Fiscal Summary
State Effect: None.
Local Effect: The bill does not materially affect local government finances or operations.
Small Business Effect: None.
Analysis
Current Law: Electric companies are not required to provide the specified information in
the specified formats under State law. However, Public Service Commission regulations
require electric companies to retain customer billing records for at least three years and
specify information that must be included in customer bill forms, including:
 readings of all meters used for billing purposes at the end of the period for which
the bill is rendered;
 the meter reading date;
 the applicable rate schedule, including any seasonal or time differential in base rates
for the billing period in which the differential is applicable, or identification of the
applicable rate schedule;
 information concerning the customer’s electricity usage during the same billing
period in the prior year; and
 the company’s appropriate business address and telephone number for billing
inquiries.
Additional Information
Prior Introductions: HB 886 of 2020, a similar bill, was voted favorable with
amendments by the House Economic Matters Committee, but no further action was taken.
Designated Cross File: SB 856 (Senator Hershey) - Finance.
Information Source(s): Public Service Commission; Office of People’s Counsel;
Department of Legislative Services
Fiscal Note History: First Reader - February 11, 2021
rh/lgc Third Reader - March 12, 2021
Analysis by: Stephen M. Ross Direct Inquiries to:
(410) 946-5510
(301) 970-5510
HB 842/ Page 2


Statutes affected:
Text - First - Electric Companies - Billing Information: 7-312 Public Utilities
Text - Third - Electric Companies - Billing Information: 7-312 Public Utilities