'It's highly problematic:' Energy ads spark concern in Transmission line fight

(WBFF) — As Public Service Enterprise Group works to obtain state approval for the Maryland Piedmont Reliability Project, a new website has popped up advocating for more transmission lines.

The website “Energy Future Maryland,” lists many facts and figures related to Maryland’s energy challenges. “Maryland is at an unprecedented energy crossroads. Taking the right path is crucial for our economy and our future. Energy Future Maryland advocates for a way forward that will lead to an energy future that is affordable and reliable for Marylanders,” the website reads.

The corresponding Facebook page for Energy Future Maryland, which was created in March, lists itself as a “political organization.” According to data from Facebook, the page started running a series of ads on April 23, about why “Maryland requires more energy transmission infrastructure.”

One ad said, “Maryland already has some of the most expensive rates for power in the region, and Maryland families are feeling the crunch of rates rising even further. Without added capacity and updated infrastructure, Maryland will be caught in a vicious cycle of cost increases with ratepayers paying the price.”

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Another ad said, “Congestion on the already overstressed grid is growing and so is the likelihood of rolling brownouts and blackouts. Our most vulnerable residents will be the most impacted by power outages on our hottest and coldest days.”

According to Facebook data, Energy Future Maryland has spent a total of $10,658 on advertisements, with $2,873 spent from April 21st to April 27th.

While Energy Future Maryland appears to be another energy-related organization at first glance, digging into the details, it is apparent that Public Service Enterprise Group, the developers of the MPRP, the highly-contested 70-mile transmission line, are behind it.

A spokesperson from PSEG confirmed their involvement in the effort.

“I think it’s highly problematic when a utility funds a front group like this one and doesn’t disclose who’s behind it while, while a proceeding is pending at the Public Service Commission, it really can undermine the fairness of the process,” said attorney Carolyn Elefant, the owner of Law Offices of Carolyn Elefant and Counsel for Stop MPRP.

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“They’re attempting to sway public opinion, and even potentially sway the opinions of the commissioners and other decision makers at the Public Service Commission, and doing it off the record, where, again, nobody has the opportunity to dispute their so called, their purported facts and information,” she added.

A statement from PSEG said, “There’s been an incredible amount of misinformation regarding the critical energy situation in Maryland and the need for transmission infrastructure in Maryland and beyond. Along with the IBEW, we are building a coalition of organizations that understand the potential consequences and want to join us in this effort to share clear, accurate information with Marylanders.”

“We don’t have a problem with anybody clearing up misinformation, that I would disagree with the characterization,” Elefant said. “PSEG has some First Amendment rights to the extent that it’s a corporation, but the problem is the lack of transparency. If you’re going to disseminate a view, do it openly and honestly so that you know where it’s coming from.”

Lawmakers, state officials and other stakeholders have acknowledged Maryland’s energy crisis, including the fact that Maryland imports about 40 percent of its energy from other states. Lawmakers passed legislation during the recent legislative session, in an attempt to address some of the issues and generate more energy in-state. Landowners, lawmakers and local representatives have been critical of the MPRP because it will provide energy to data centers anticipated in Northern Virginia. PSEG and PJM, the regional grid operator, have argued the MPRP is critical to address growing energy needs related to load growth from data centers, electrification and power plants retiring.