Rising residential energy prices are at the front of mind for candidates pursuing seats in the House of Delegates and State Senate in the upcoming Maryland primaries, as are the data centers that many blame for the higher rates.
With primary elections on June 23, the Local News Network at the University of Maryland surveyed candidates on what the state should do to control rising residential energy rates. The response, included in the Capital News Service General Assembly primary voter guide, was overwhelming bipartisan support for regulations on data center development, which was often cited as the leading factor in rising costs.
“Maryland families should not be stuck paying higher electric bills because of the huge power needs of new data centers,” said Yonelle Moore Lee, a Democratic House of Delegates candidate in Charles County’s District 27A. “Many families are already struggling financially and [the] 44% increase in energy rates in the past six years is outrageous and unsustainable.”
Dianna Palmer, a Republican House of Delegates candidate from District 2A in Washington County, shares Lee’s cost concerns.
“Maryland families have seen their energy bills go up fast, and for a lot of people, it’s becoming a real strain,” she said.
In May, Gov. Wes Moore signed the Utility RELIEF Act, a sweeping piece of legislation intending to modernize the state’s grid, place stricter regulations on data centers and lower energy bills for residents.
The bill will save residents at least $150 on energy bills each year, according to Moore’s office.
“The Utility RELIEF Act includes immediate relief for ratepayers,” said State Sen. Sara Love, D-Montgomery County, who is running for re-election in District 16.
Love also said the bill is focused on setting a clear path forward for the state with increased energy production and a commitment to green energy. She noted the legislation is “putting guardrails on data centers” by making their owners pay for any necessary energy infrastructure improvements.
The data indicates any relief could be useful for Maryland families. The state’s electricity costs averaged 19.65 cents per kilowatt hour in 2025, a jump from just 13.18 in 2021. Moore’s office said in December 2025 that Maryland residential energy rates have risen 44% since 2020.
As of October 2025, Maryland’s average residential electricity price ranks 13th in the country. The U.S. average is 17.98 cents per kilowatt hour.
According to Data Center Map, a data center research organization, there are 52 data center facilities in Maryland. Frederick has the most with 18, followed by Baltimore with 14.
Many candidates voiced disdain for data centers. Eric Immler, a Democratic House of Delegates candidate from Southern Maryland’s District 29C, is one such candidate.
“Data centers create virtually no new jobs for their local communities,” he said. “Each new building typically ‘generates’ six or seven jobs total, and data centers siphon wealth from the state to line the pockets of distant and often foreign investors.”
John D. Leonard, a Democratic House of Delegates candidate from District 2A, in Washington and Frederick counties also slammed data centers and called for Maryland to adopt a two-year moratorium on their construction, like one recently instituted in Maine.
“The data center situation is absolutely out of control, and a couple years from now when the AI bubble bursts and half of these places shut down, it will be us left holding the bag,” Leonard said.
Del. April Rose, a Republican from District 5, said along with curtailing data center development, Maryland needs to generate more energy through more natural gas and nuclear production.
“Wind and solar are not now and will never be enough to keep our grid operating correctly,” said Rose, who represents parts of Carroll and Frederick counties. “We must not allow Maryland to be only a net importer of power; we must generate our own. We do not need to sacrifice our farmland and conserved areas for the radical green agenda.”
Maryland currently operates as part of the PJM Interconnection, which coordinates wholesale electricity movement across 13 states and Washington, D.C. According to PJM’s independent market monitor, data centers are the “primary reason” for increased prices and more load on the grid, both now and projected in the future.
Several candidates mentioned a growing need for Maryland to modernize its grid and generate more in-state energy.
Jake Taylor, a Republican candidate for the House of Delegates in Harford County’s District 34B, also voiced concerns regarding the cost of renewable energy.
“Maryland cannot crucify itself and its ratepayers and upon the cross of renewable energy targets,” Taylor said.
Michelle Christman, a Republican House of Delegates candidate running for a seat in District 35A representing parts of Cecil and Harford counties, said power plant retirements are premature and the state must abandon the “regulatory war on reliable energy.”
“Marylanders deserve affordable, reliable power, and it is imperative to reverse course and prioritize working families’ needs first,” Christman said. “We must leverage American natural gas and nuclear power while prioritizing ratepayers.”
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Maryland ranks 43rd in total energy consumption per capita across the country, and 48th in expenditures. According to PJM, Maryland has historically imported about 40% of its annual energy from other states.
Steven Messmer, a Democratic State Senate candidate from Baltimore City’s District 40, said lawmakers should focus on balancing clean energy goals with practical solutions. He said the state is too dependent on out-of-state energy and must generate more energy on its own.
“We need to match our principles with pragmatism,” Messmer said. “If we’re going to mandate renewable energy, we need to be willing to step on toes to make it happen here.”