WASHINGTON (AP) — A unanimous Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that Maryland officials overstepped their authority when they offered financial subsidies to encourage construction of a new power plant in the state.
The justices said the Maryland plan interferes with federal law governing wholesale electricity rates.
The ruling is a setback for Maryland and other states that want to ensure a reliable supply of electricity for customers at reasonable rates.
The case involves a 2012 decision by state regulators to order construction of natural gas power plant. Officials offered the winning bidder a financial incentive by requiring utilities to buy electricity from the plant for 20 years at a fixed price.
Lower courts sided with rival power suppliers who said the incentive interfered with pricing in wholesale markets, which are subject to federal regulation.
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3 comments:
About time an energy company has been ruled against an struck down so maybe the average consumer does not get the shaft. Now who will monitor this to make sure there will be no kick backs?
Finally a win for taxpayers.
It's about time! Now, how about other big companies that get subsidies from the governmetn!
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