Dan Cox Files Public Information Act Requests Regarding Governor Moore's Communications with Electric Utilities

State of MD - Dan Cox has submitted multiple Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) requests seeking records from Governor Wes Moore's office and key state agencies. The requests concern recent communications with Maryland's four major electric utilities and PJM Interconnection, the regional grid operator responsible for wholesale electricity markets.

The utilities in question are Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE), Pepco, Delmarva Power & Light, and Potomac Edison. Cox filed the requests at his own personal expense.

Rising Electric Bills Prompt Investigation

Cox's requests seek communications, internal discussions, enforcement actions, investigations, and potential litigation strategies involving these utilities and PJM from November 1, 2025, to the present. The requests come as Maryland residents report significant increases in their electric bills.

"It is an outrageous burden on Marylanders to now face sometimes tripled or even quadrupled electric bills without any executive action by the Governor to order immediate substantial relief," Cox stated. "Instead, today Governor Moore is blaming foreign companies having to pay their fair share instead of ripping us off, all while Governor Moore is ripping off the Marylander ratepayer."

Cox indicated that as Governor, he would take immediate action. "As your Governor I won't delay, on day one I will act and order an immediate freeze of all electric rate increases since November 2025, order collections and fees to halt, and order the Governor's Energy Administration, the PSC, and the Office of the People's counsel to investigate and provide an immediate report and relief package for Marylanders including coordinating and taking any necessary legal action for emergency injunctive relief to stop the theft of our electricity ratepayers."

State Agency Budgets Under Scrutiny

Cox noted that Governor Moore oversees a $68 billion state budget. This includes approximately $8.3 million for the Office of People's Counsel, approximately $30 million for the Public Service Commission, approximately $287 million for the Maryland Energy Administration, and approximately $23 million for the Office of the Governor.

According to Cox, these agencies collectively represent roughly $350 million in taxpayer-funded operations. He stated that these agencies have not produced meaningful relief for Maryland ratepayers.

"Governor Moore has complete control of a nearly $70 billion budget, and his $350 million dollar funded offices that oversee the skyrocketing electric bills are nearly silent except to blame foreign tariffs for rising costs of living, which is absurd considering the burden Wes Moore has caused with his inaction as electric bills skyrocket," Cox said.

RGGI Funds Questioned

Cox also pointed to reports that approximately $300 million from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) ratepayer funds in the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF) was redirected by Governor Moore.

The funds were used to help balance the state budget rather than for energy cost mitigation. Cox stated he is investigating the decision-making behind that allocation and its impact on electric bills.

Call for Transparency and Action

Cox emphasized that Maryland residents deserve transparency regarding the state's response to rising electricity costs.

"Marylanders are facing what many are describing as skyrocketing and in some cases quadrupling electric bills," Cox said. "Taxpayers deserve to know what communications have occurred between Governor Moore's administration and the utilities or PJM while families struggle to pay basic energy costs."

He characterized the situation as requiring immediate attention. "I am investigating what I believe is unacceptable inaction," Cox said. "Marylanders deserve transparency and immediate relief. I am calling on Governor Moore to issue executive orders directing his administration to take immediate action to reduce electric costs, and to pursue appropriate legal remedies - including seeking injunctive relief in court if necessary - to protect Maryland ratepayers."

Cox stated that his Public Information Act requests are intended to obtain clarity regarding actions pursued by the Governor's office and related agencies in response to rising electricity costs.

"Transparency is the first step," Cox said. "The people of Maryland deserve answers."

Cox concluded with a statement about the current administration. "Marylanders are getting fleeced of their incomes by this out of touch administration while receiving Less with Wes Moore."