2017 Maryland Survey of Registered Voters Age 45-Plus on Utilities

More than eight in ten respondents want the state to strengthen consumer protections around utility rates and services. Additionally, nearly sixty percent (57%) DO NOT believe that their interests are represented and taken into consideration when rate increases are proposed. Maryland residents also oppose (63%) legislation that would allow electric companies to place a surcharge on a customer’s bill for infrastructure repair and replacement.

Key findings include the following:

• Paying for household utilities is a major or minor concern for about two-thirds (64%) of Maryland registered voters age 45-plus. 
  
  
• Two-thirds (66%) of Maryland voters agree that the Maryland Office of People’s Council should be maintained. 
  

• Nearly two-thirds (63%) of Maryland residents oppose legislation that would allow electric companies to place a surcharge on a customer’s bill for infrastructure repair and replacement.   

The 2017 Maryland Survey of Voters Age 45-Plus on Electric Utilities was a telephone study among 800 residents about issues regarding electric utility rates and suppliers. Interviews were conducted November 29 - December 5, 2016.  For more information contact Tammy Bresnahan, AARP Maryland at TBresnahan@aarp.org or Cassandra Cantave, AARP Research at CCantave@aarp.org.