Empower Charge

[luvmygdaughters]

Okay, can somebody splain to me the "Empower Maryland" charge on my electric bill? I've heard a couple of stories, one, its an incentive program for buying energy efficient appliances and two, its to help pay the electric bill of those who are ...shall we say...financially challenged. Either way, its a "Mandatory" contribution, kind of like the "Save the Bay" charge on my water bill. If this is the case, why cant I write that amount off on my taxes, like any other contributions to a charity? Just wondering, since I don't have any say in how much I am "donating".

 

[getbent]

I have never noticed that charge. I get mine electronically and just pay it. I only look at the actual bill if I think it's higher than usual.

 

[RPMDAD]

Okay, can somebody splain to me the "Empower Maryland" charge on my electric bill? I've heard a couple of stories, one, its an incentive program for buying energy efficient appliances and two, its to help pay the electric bill of those who are ...shall we say...financially challenged. Either way, its a "Mandatory" contribution, kind of like the "Save the Bay" charge on my water bill. If this is the case, why cant I write that amount off on my taxes, like any other contributions to a charity? Just wondering, since I don't have any say in how much I am "donating".

Here is the white paper on it, if you can understand it you are smarter than me, it is 38 pages long.

http://www.psc.state.md.us/wp-conte...nd-Energy-Efficiency-Act-Standard-Report1.pdf

 

[luvmygdaughters]

Yes, I saw that. Its so convoluted no one can understand it, and, who in the hell has time to sit and read a 38 page document about your electric bill. Like I said, just wondering if anyone knew what this charge was for and what is goes too.

 

[PsyOps]

Yes, I saw that. Its so convoluted no one can understand it, and, who in the hell has time to sit and read a 38 page document about your electric bill. Like I said, just wondering if anyone knew what this charge was for and what is goes too.

O'Malley fabricated a program called 'Empower Maryland'. Under the guise of reducing power consumption, and convincing folks to buy energy-saving appliances and such, it's just another crafty way to tax you. That's all it is: create a program and tax you for it.

 

[getbent]

O'Malley fabricated a program called 'Empower Maryland'. Under the guise of reducing power consumption, and convincing folks to buy energy-saving appliances and such, it's just another crafty way to tax you. That's all it is: create a program and tax you for it.

So, if we buy energy savings appliances then we shouldn't have to pay the tax

 

[PsyOps]

So, if we buy energy savings appliances then we shouldn't have to pay the tax

And the other ironic thing about it is; the program touts being an energy saving program, yet they pile a tax on your power bill, making it more expensive. Aren't our politicians so clever? Always looking out for the people.

 

[Dakota]

O'Malley fabricated a program called 'Empower Maryland'. Under the guise of reducing power consumption, and convincing folks to buy energy-saving appliances and such, it's just another crafty way to tax you. That's all it is: create a program and tax you for it.

 

[Chris0nllyn]

EmPower MD was created so the politicians can try and force people to reduce energy consumption by 15% by last year. (Not sure if it ever happened)

Part of it is the programs by electric (and gas) utilities to come up with incentives. SMECO, for instance, has (and had) rebates for EnergyStar appliances, appliance recycling rebates, instant savings on energy efficient lighting, etc.

So, in order for the utilities to comply with the program, they need to charge a fee in order to do so. That's where it comes from.

The law was in effect from 2007-2015, then passed it off to the MEA (MD Energy Administration) and the PSC (MDPublic Service Commission) to determine if it should keep going.

http://energy.maryland.gov/Documents/EmPOWERPlanningFinalReport2013-01-16.pdf

 

[kwillia]

EmPower MD was created so the politicians can try and force people to reduce energy consumption by 15% by last year. (Not sure if it ever happened)

Part of it is the programs by electric (and gas) utilities to come up with incentives. SMECO, for instance, has (and had) rebates for EnergyStar appliances, appliance recycling rebates, instant savings on energy efficient lighting, etc.

So, in order for the utilities to comply with the program, they need to charge a fee in order to do so. That's where it comes from.

The law was in effect from 2007-2015, then passed it off to the MEA (MD Energy Administration) and the PSC (MDPublic Service Commission) to determine if it should keep going.

http://energy.maryland.gov/Documents/EmPOWERPlanningFinalReport2013-01-16.pdf

... and I'm sure the cost to send me "You pay this much more than your neighbor" letters is paid for out of this fund.

 

[Chris0nllyn]

... and I'm sure the cost to send me "You pay this much more than your neighbor" letters is paid for out of this fund.

Possibly, but I doubt it.

SMECO got rid of their appliance recycle program Nov. of last year. Coincidentally, it's around the same time the program was scheduled to end. I doubt they'd continue some aspects of the program, but not others.

I think it's just SMECO's own way of giving folks a nudge to reduce energy, but I could be wrong.

 

[luvmygdaughters]

... and I'm sure the cost to send me "You pay this much more than your neighbor" letters is paid for out of this fund.

Hahahaha...love those letters, ours shows that we are just a bunch of power hogs, compared to our neighbors. Of course, the house beside us and the one directly behind us have been vacant for a year. So I guess comparatively speaking, we are power hogs...you know...since we actually live there.

 

[GWguy]

I think it's just SMECO's own way of giving folks a nudge to reduce energy, but I could be wrong.

I'm not so sure.... cutting back means less $ they collect. Then they cry poverty and either jack up the rate or add a fuel surcharge or new pet project funding.

 

[GWguy]

Hahahaha...love those letters, ours shows that we are just a bunch of power hogs, compared to our neighbors. Of course, the house beside us and the one directly behind us have been vacant for a year. So I guess comparatively speaking, we are power hogs...you know...since we actually live there.

My last one showed I was a significantly less consumer than my neighbors, some of which have solar panels. I've had lights blaring all day with power tools and vacuums running all the day, and most of the time the TV is on in the background. 2 fridges and a freezer, etc....

I don't put much stock in those reports.

 

[kwillia]

My last one showed I was a significantly less consumer than my neighbors, some of which have solar panels. I've had lights blaring all day with power tools and vacuums running all the day, and most of the time the TV is on in the background. 2 fridges and a freezer, etc....

I don't put much stock in those reports.

I have two electric water heaters, two heat pumps, 4 refrigerators and I lost count of how many TVs... I'm always getting a frowny face...

 

[Chris0nllyn]

I'm not so sure.... cutting back means less $ they collect. Then they cry poverty and either jack up the rate or add a fuel surcharge or new pet project funding.

On the other hand, if someone's heat pump fails and they're on emergency heat for some time, that shown increase in energy consumption could help a homeowner recognize they have a problem.

I think it's stupid that they ask you to go "Green" by e-mailing you your bill, yet send out paper letters for this crap.

It's worth noting that the paper they send you is a snapshot. The idea is to get you to get the more detailed report on their Home Energy Reports website.

 

[DoWhat]

I have two electric water heaters, two heat pumps, 4 refrigerators and I lost count of how many TVs... I'm always getting a frowny face...

Lets turn that frown upside down.