AARP Online Community: AARPmd - My Journals & Blogs

Smart Meters- Are they really a smart idea?

Smart Meters – Are they really a smart idea?

Baltimore Gas and Electric has proposed installing new “smart” meters for all of its residential customers in Maryland. On their own, these meters don’t save money. And they may not be such a smart idea for consumers.

Smart meters will allow BGE to charge different rates for electricity depending on what hour of the day the electricity is being used. For example, during the summer, you could be charged 50 percent more for using electricity at peak times (between 2pm and 7pm) every day.

It’s called a time-of-use rate. And under BGE’s proposal, it’s mandatory.

Some customers will be eligible for rebates if they reduce usage during “critical” days – about 12 per year. Meanwhile, your rates will be higher from 2pm to 7pm every day of the summer. And while you may be able to put off doing the laundry, it’s harder to re-schedule the use of medical or home-cooling equipment that could mean the difference between life and death.

Time of use rates are also likely to result in higher bills for many customers, especially elderly, low-income and other customers who do not use a lot of electricity and will be forced to pay peak time prices or simply go without necessary electricity.

What’s more, the costs to install these expensive meters will be passed on to ratepayers in the form of a monthly surcharge – that will continue for 15 years.

And should the whole program end up costing more or saving less than BGE predicts, only ratepayers bear the risk.

What can YOU do?

Contact the Public Service Commission by calling toll free 1-800-492-0474 and ask them to deny BGE’s request for mandatory time of use rates. Ask the commissioners to protect consumers as they review BGE’s proposal.

AND, contact the House Economic Matters Committee in the Maryland General Assembly by calling 410-841-3519 or by e-mail to the committee Chairman Derek.Davis@house.state.md.us. Tell them consumers need lower rates and price stability, not expensive, unproven new meters. Re-regulation of the electricity industry, which offers a real possibility of stable pricing and reliable supply, stalled in this committee earlier this year. Your input can make a difference when the committee re-considers re-regulation in 2010.

For savings, stability and safety, electricity customers need smart leaders more than smart meters.

Added: November 6, 2009
Views: 10 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

How Can We Keep Medicare Strong?

How Can We Keep Medicare Strong for Current and Future Generations?

In a new series of videos, older Americans and people from organizations that represent them speak honestly about how health care reform would impact seniors.

In today’s video, “How Can We Keep Medicare Strong for Current and Future Generations?” [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNJWgaP39gc], doctors and people from organizations that have been representing seniors for years talk about how health care reform must eliminate waste in Medicare in order to protect Medicare benefits and ensure future generations have the health care they need when they retire.

We need your help in spreading the word about these videos. Please forward them to family and friends who may be concerned about what health care reform means for them.

For more information about health reform and seniors, including information on sharing your health reform story and contacting legislators, visit the Seniors to Seniors coalition at www.seniorstoseniors.org.

Added: November 2, 2009
Views: 11 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Country Music Star Faith Hill Creates The Good in New PSA

GRAMMY® Award-winning Country star Faith Hill appears in a new public service announcement that encourages Americans to volunteer their time to make America a better place. The spot is one of a series of PSAs to be launched this fall on all major broadcast networks - ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC - as part of the Entertainment Industry Foundation's iParticipate national initiative to promote volunteerism with AARP's Create the Good (www.CreateTheGood.org). Check out her video : http://bit.ly/2as7kQ

Added: October 19, 2009
Views: 31 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

SEVERNA PARK RESIDENT RECEIVES STATEWIDE AARP VOLUNTEER AWARD

FOR RELEASE: October 15, 2009
CONTACT: Tiffany Lundquist, 410-895-7601 (office), 410-869-2204 (cell), tlundquist@aarp.org

SEVERNA PARK RESIDENT RECEIVES STATEWIDE AARP VOLUNTEER AWARD
Johnston honored by AARP and elected officials for civic engagement, community leadership.

Baltimore – Albert M. Johnston is the recipient of AARP in Maryland’s 2009 Andrus Award for Community Service, the Association’s most prestigious volunteer award. Currently the president of the Severna Park AARP Chapter, Johnston has for many years been an active community leader and advocate on senior issues.

“Al’s long record of civic engagement is exemplary,” said Tiffany Lundquist, AARP Maryland Interim State Director. “With his vast knowledge and unflagging commitment, he has improved life for older Marylanders in countless ways.”

Locally, Johnston serves as Vice President-Public Affairs for the Greater Severna Park Council and as a Board member for Woodswise: The Senior Housing Corporation in Severna Park. He conducts a Pro Bono legal assistance program at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church, providing general information on Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, estate planning and real estate issues.

A well-known presence in Annapolis, Johnston has represented AARP before the General Assembly as a volunteer since 1998 and is the designated AARP representative appointed by the Governor on the Maryland State Oversight Committee on Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities. He was active in the national effort to create the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, attended the Presidential signing ceremony when Part D was enacted, and led local efforts to help eligible beneficiaries understand their options under the new program.

The AARP Andrus Award for Community Service, named for AARP founder Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, recognizes volunteers who in the last year have made a difference in their communities in ways that support AARP’s mission, vision, and strategic direction and that inspire others to volunteer.

The award will be formally presented to Johnston during an October 15 luncheon at the Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville. In addition to the AARP Andrus Award, Johnston will be honored with resolutions from the Maryland Senate and House of Delegates and citations from the Anne Arundel County Executive and the County Council.

AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

###

Added: October 15, 2009
Views: 60 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Discharge. Readmit. Discharge. Readmit.

It’s Time to Break this Unhealthy Pattern.

One in five people in Medicare leaves the hospital and has to go back within a month, wasting billions of tax dollars and disrupting the lives of patients and their families. Providing follow-up care after discharge is a common-sense way to save money and serve patients better. Find out more at http://bit.ly/nqnMR .

Added: September 29, 2009
Views: 62 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP is Fighting for Your Medicare

AARP is Fighting for Your Medicare

AARP is fighting to protect Medicare benefits for seniors and ensure future generations have the health coverage they need when they retire. We have made it clear to elected officials that we will fight with the strength of our 40 million members against any proposal to cut your benefits or increase your out-of-pocket costs. For more on proposed changes to Medicare, go to http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/medicare/articles/medicare_question.htmland for more information on what health care reform means for you, go to www.aarp.org/getthefacts.

Added: September 28, 2009
Views: 58 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

AARP Maryland on Twitter!

Keep up to date on the latest news and events in Maryland on twitter.

If you have not started to follow AARP MD on Twitter click http://twitter.com/AARPMaryland to find us.

Added: September 25, 2009
Views: 50 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH NAMED A 2009 BEST EMPLOYER

NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH NAMED

A 2009 BEST EMPLOYER FOR WORKERS OVER 50

Washington, DC, September 9, 2009 – The National Institutes of Health (NIH), based in Bethesda, has been named by AARP to its 2009 list of Best Employers for Workers 50 and Over.

NIH joins an impressive list of 50 honorees announced today by AARP CEO Barry Rand. NIH first appeared on the list in 2008.

More than 200 employers applied for Best Employers honors, the highest total in the nine year history of the program designed to highlight exemplary policies toward workers aged 50 and over.

“We are delighted that NIH has been selected again for this honor,” said AARP Maryland acting state director Tiffany Lundquist. “For some years now, the National Institutes of Health have offered a number of innovative and progressive policies in their approach toward older workers.”

Any U.S.-based employer with at least 50 employees is eligible to apply for the Best Employers award. Candidates are vetted to ensure that practices meet the needs of mature workers. Key areas of consideration include: recruiting practices, opportunities for training, education and career development; workplace accommodations; alternative work options, such as flexible scheduling, job sharing, and phased retirement; employee health and retirement benefits and retiree work opportunities.

Among the notable policies at NIH, extensive learning and development opportunities include tuition reimbursement, in-house classroom training, online training, certification classes, and student-loan repayment. NIH employees can request and receive workplace modifications ranging from specialized computer programs for the hearing and visually impaired to individually tailored and ergonomically designed work spaces. In addition, the NIH Recreation and Welfare Association has promoted an active workforce and an active retiree group.

AARP The Magazine will feature the 2009 Best Employers in its November-December issue, available in homes September 24. The article will be found online then at www.aarpmagazine.org.

For more information on the 2009 Best Employers, please go to www.aarp.org/bestemployers.

Added: September 14, 2009
Views: 79 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Adopt a Pet Today!

Throughout the month of September , Marylanders age 60 and over can adopt a pet from the Maryland SPCA for free thanks to Bravo Health . Studies show that pet ownership can provide significant health benefits. In fact, pets may help elderly owners live longer, healthier and more enjoyable lives. Senior citizens who come to the Maryland SPCA and adopt a free pet in September will also receive a special giveaway. Please note that normal adoption procedures apply for this special promotion. For a list of adoptable pets, directions and more information, please visit the Maryland SPCA’s website .

Added: September 11, 2009
Views: 96 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

Health Care Reform

Throughout the debate on how to fix what’s broken about our health care system, AARP pledges to help you cut through the noise and find the facts about what health care reform means for you and your family. When we see special interests using scare tactics, we’ll make sure you’re given the facts so you can make informed decisions about health care reform.

Check out AARP’s blog this week, which is highlighting some of the most common myths being spread about health care reform and the facts that prove them wrong.

Added: August 3, 2009
Views: 168 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0

My Journals (35)