Make a Public Comment

Proceedings before the Commission often require input from the community in the form of written public comments or public comment hearings. The public can offer comments on open, docketed cases in various ways:

  • Submit Written Comments Electronically

If you are unable to attend a hearing, you may comment in writing. You may upload your written comments into our Public Comments electronic filing system, found here. After completing a quick, one-time registration, comments may be submitted (by case number) in a variety of formats including PDF, Word, Excel, etc. Photos may also be uploaded with comments.

OR

  • Submit Written Comments by Mail

Address your comments to:
Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk
Maryland Public Service Commission
6 Saint Paul Street, 16th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202-6806

Please be sure to include the related case number with all comments. A copy of the written comments are recorded and maintained in the case correspondence file. Public comments submitted after May 16, 2019–whether filed electronically, mailed in or handed in at a hearing–will be archived in the Public Comments electronic filing system and can be searched by clicking here.

  • Speak at a Public Comment Hearing

Public comment hearings are typically held in the various geographical areas served by the utility or applicant involved in a proceeding (but many are still being held virtually). Hearings most often are for utility rate cases or applications to construct generating facilities or transmission lines (known as a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, or CPCN, proceeding).

Individuals who wish to comment at a virtual public hearing may sign up to speak by sending an email to the email address listed in the hearing notice and, in most cases, will have about three to five minutes, at the discretion of the presiding officer, to make their comments. Because these hearings involve an ongoing legal proceeding, the Commission cannot discuss the merits of or possible decisions in a particular case. Hearings will conclude after the last speaker is heard.

Please note that members of the media may be present during these hearings, and as such, comments made by speakers may be broadcast or printed by news outlets. Virtual hearings are also livestreamed on the Commission’s YouTube channel. (In-person public comment hearings held outside of the Commission’s offices are typically not streamed on the Commission’s website or YouTube channel.)

Public Comment Hearings/Open Cases

Some public comment hearings are still being held virtually. Participation details and instructions will be found in the hearing notice.