New Coalition Launches to Lower Energy Bills with Clean Power as Heat Wave Intensifies and Shutoffs Loom
Maryland Just Power Alliance leader Djamila Bah speaks at the press conference announcing the Bright Future coalition.
JULY 8, 2026 – A record-breaking heat wave is worsening the energy crisis just as a moratorium on energy shutoffs is set to expire. In response, a new coalition, Bright Future Maryland, is calling for state leaders to bring costs down through clean energy, and healthier, more efficient homes, while holding data centers and utilities accountable as they reap record profits at ratepayer expense.
You can watch the video of the full press conference here.
“The launch of Bright Future Maryland is the path to lower energy bills by advancing clean power and creating a healthier future and economy for all Marylanders” said Ruth Ann Norton, President and CEO of Green & Healthy Home Initiative.
This new coalition of ratepayer advocates, climate organizations, and faith leaders has developed a roadmap for how to lower bills and will be educating the public and decision makers in this critical election year about what Maryland can do to make energy more affordable and cleaner. This timely intervention comes as a moratorium on energy shutoffs in the Baltimore region is expiring, and the Public Service Commission has dragged its feet on implementing cost-saving reforms on multi-year rate plans and the STRIDE program.
Djamila Bah, a community leader from the Maryland Just Power Alliance who has been hurt by rising energy costs, said: “Enough is enough. These bills are a constant source of stress for me, my family, and thousands of Marylanders. We want a Bright Future for all Marylanders and we’re asking our elected officials and our Public Service Commission to get rid of multi-year rate plans and support working class Marylanders so we can transition to clean energy. Breathing nitrogen dioxide and other toxins from burning gas is not safe for our health and is driving up our health care costs.”
Jose Coronado-Flores, founder of the solar company Flores Photovoltaics highlighted how solar can lower household energy bills, saying, “When my customers go solar, they are thinking of the climate and equally considering how they are taking control of their energy. They are ready to stop living at the whims of utility companies, new personally irrelevant loads coming online, and make their money back and eventually live off free electricity. Solar is an immediate way to invest once and reduce utility bills indefinitely.”
For more information, visit: https://www.brightfuturemaryland.com
