-In 2025, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved the Brandon Shores Retirement Mitigation Plan from BGE, which means that Brandon Shores (the coal fired plant), will remain open and operational, but Maryland will only draw on Brandon Shores as needed, in times of high need like extremely hot or cold days, for example. When Brandon Shores announced their closure, BGE had to submit a plan to keep energy flowing to Marylanders. The plan includes increasing the number of power lines going from Pennsylvania to Virginia through Maryland by way of the Brandon Shores Retirement Mitigation Project- through Bel Air, Fallston, Joppa, Kingsville, Perry Hall, Essex, etc. 

-Maryland purchases energy (supply) from PJM (Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection), which sets the price for energy by supply and demand. Currently, energy demand is at an all-time high, which global issues rising- other countries are choosing to ration energy and some have had brown outs and black outs. We are still seeking solutions for the current energy crisis in Maryland and America but believe nuclear to be the best source as Calvert Cliffs supplies 40% of our energy and is investing $100 million in improving and expanding their systems.

-In 2025, Senator Jennings submitted written testimony (attached) in response to Kingsville community outcry. In 2025, Rebecca Powell testified to the PSC judge in Hereford in her role as Communications Director, stating that we had multiple concerns regarding property ownership, reimbursing landowners for damages and changes to property that could occur. Additionally, Rebecca Powell testified about the potential impact to wildlife, airport landings in Fallston, health concerns for homeowners, and disruption to the community. County Executive Bob Cassilly also testified regarding his concerns for farm animals, farmer property, and traffic safety with increased large vehicles and helicopter presence- should the project move forward. Our newest team member, Rachel Harkins Ullmann, was also heavily involved in the power line case as she resides in Kingsville and is concerned about the exposure to power lines for her family. She joined the team shortly after the hearings.

-Rates from BGE have increased twice in the last several months- 1st was a distribution rate increase (which coupled with a high energy period), the 2nd was a supply increase, (due to the PJM auction cost).

-Maryland is not producing enough energy. Senator Jennings believes we need to create more energy rather than import it and adding additional powerlines in peoples' backyards is not going to be the right call.