SUN: Maryland electric bills to rise this summer as PJM faces data center strain

Electricity prices are projected to rise across Maryland and the broader PJM Interconnection service area this summer, largely due to escalating demand driven by the rapid expansion of data centers. PJM, which operates the grid for 67 million people across 13 states including Maryland, is grappling with a significant imbalance between surging electricity demand and a slower pace of new power supply development. Although Northern Virginia remains the primary data center hub, development pressures are now extending into Maryland, specifically in Frederick, Prince George's, and Baltimore counties. Energy analysts, such as Jon Gordon of Advanced Energy United, highlight a critical timeline mismatch, noting that large data centers can be built in a few years while new power plants take five to seven years, raising concerns for PJM's reliability. Maryland lawmakers recently approved energy legislation designed to mitigate utility costs, promising annual savings for ratepayers. However, energy analysts and consumer advocates caution that these measures may not fully address the fundamental issues causing the price increases. State regulators and utilities, including Baltimore Gas and Electric and Pepco, are expected to absorb PJM’s rising wholesale costs.