Williamsport, Md. – September 09, 2026 -- Potomac Edison, a FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) subsidiary, has filed a $52.8 million rate adjustment proposal with the Maryland Public Service Commission that would raise the average residential customer's monthly bill by approximately 5.3%.
Even after the increase, Potomac Edison's residential rates would remain the lowest among Maryland's investor-owned electric utilities. As of June 1, the utility's rates stood 25% below the average of its in-state peers.
Reliability program targets aging poles, lines and underground cable
The filing includes a reliability improvement program covering upgrades to power lines, underground equipment and grid technology. Planned projects include installing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for real-time system visibility, replacing substation reclosers, adding circuit ties and automation, reconductoring overhead lines, replacing aging underground cables, and expanding removal of high-risk trees near power lines ahead of severe weather.
Investment builds on prior smart-grid and pole-replacement work
Potomac Edison has already replaced and upgraded poles, power lines and other equipment to strengthen storm resilience, and installed smart grid technology capable of automatically rerouting power during outages to reduce restoration times and limit the number of customers affected.
Executive frames spending as necessary for storm preparedness
Chris Beam, FirstEnergy's President of West Virginia and Maryland, said the company recognizes that any bill increase matters and is focused on investments deemed necessary to strengthen the electric system, improve reliability and better prepare customers for severe weather, while continuing to manage costs responsibly.
Maryland regulator must approve proposal before customers see changes
The Maryland Public Service Commission will review the rate request, a process that includes an opportunity for public input before any adjustment takes effect. Potomac Edison serves roughly 295,000 customers across all or parts of Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery and Washington counties in Maryland.