The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) – in charge of regulating utility companies – is in the process of cutting the state’s flagship energy efficiency program known as EmPOWER, but environmental advocates worry some of the proposed reductions are excessive. In an effort to pr ovide relief to ratepayers amid rising utility bills, state lawmakers opted to make various cuts to the EmPOWER program within this year’s energy policy overhaul dubbed the Utility RELIEF Act. EmPOWER incentivizes energy efficiency and conservation efforts through free and discounted energy audits, weatherization and efficient appliances. Read more at WYPR. ...read more read less