Before the Public Service Commission and the courts, the People's Counsel represents the interest of residential and noncommercial users of natural gas, electric, telephone, sewer, water, and regulated transportation services. The People's Counsel also appears before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to protect those consumers. Operating independently of the Public Service Commission, the People's Counsel evaluates matters pending before the Commission, and may request that the Commission initiate proceedings to protect consumers.
Through consumer education programs, the People's Counsel informs utility customers about their rights. It also responds to consumer complaints about business practices of energy and telecommunications providers. For low-income users, the office also works to resolve problems with service, and gas and electric bills.
Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the People's Counsel must be an attorney-at-law of the State (Code Public Utility Companies Article, secs. 2-201 through 2-206).
© Copyright November 06, 2002 Maryland State Archives