Potomac Edison seeks $52.8 million Maryland rate hike to fund grid reliability upgrades

Maryland Public Service Commission review is required before any increase takes effect.

The plan targets aging infrastructure, automation, underground cable replacement and tree trimming to reduce outages and speed restoration during severe weather.

The company said the average residential monthly bill would rise about 5.3% if regulators approve the filing.

Potomac Edison projected its residential rates would remain Maryland’s lowest among investor-owned utilities; rates were 25% below peers as of June 1.

Potomac Edison, a FirstEnergy unit, proposed a Maryland rate adjustment of $52.8 million to fund grid upgrades, modernization and reliability projects.