The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) has successfully identified a significant error in a recent report by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) concerning residential electricity rates in Maryland. The March 2026 EIA publication mistakenly ranked Maryland as having the second-highest residential electricity costs in the United States, citing an average rate of 35 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). It also claimed that electricity prices in the state had surged by 89% compared to the previous year.
Upon reviewing the data, analysts at the Maryland PSC found discrepancies between the EIA’s reported figures and the actual utility rate information maintained within the state. Recognizing the potential consequences of such inaccurate data on consumers and policymakers, PSC staff reached out to the EIA to request a thorough reexamination of their statistics. The federal agency responded by acknowledging the mistake and adjusting Maryland’s average residential electricity rate downward to 22.2 cents per kWh.
This correction represents nearly a 40% decrease from the originally reported figure. Additionally, the year-over-year increase in electricity prices was revised from an inflated 89% to a more precise 17%. Thanks to the PSC’s intervention, Maryland residents and state officials now have access to more accurate and reliable information regarding electricity costs.
Commission Chair Kumar Barve praised his team’s diligence and persistence in addressing this issue. He stated, “I want to commend our staff for recognizing that this data did not align with our internal utility rate records and for prompting the EIA to update their charts. We appreciate their cooperation in correcting the record.”
This incident highlights the crucial role that state regulatory bodies play in validating federal data that shapes public perception and policy decisions. Accurate electricity pricing data is vital for consumers, regulators, and lawmakers as they work through challenges related to energy affordability and long-term planning.
The Maryland PSC remains dedicated to closely monitoring utility rates and fostering collaboration between state agencies and federal entities like the EIA. With these corrected figures, Maryland residents can now better understand their electricity expenses and how they compare nationally.
