In 1999 the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation (SB 300) entitled “Electric Utility Industry Restructuring” that was signed into law by then-Governor Parris Glendening. The legislation established a number of requirements, including caps on electric rates to consumers for four years following the initial implementation of consumer choice.
The fiscal notes that accompanied the legislation also noted the following: “… the bill contemplates the “aggregation” of individuals or entities that act on behalf of a customer to purchase electricity. As a result, small businesses may “aggregate” with other consumers of electricity to increase their bargaining position in contracting for utility rates.”
The Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber, knowing that deregulation would require business owners to make informed decisions and need advice and counsel to form such “aggregations,” researched the matter and learned that the Ocean City Chamber had brought a consulting group on board and actually formed an aggregation model.
The BWCC hired the same consultant—CQI Associates from Columbia, Maryland —to develop both an educational series as well as an aggregation program for the BWCC members.