EmPOWER energy efficiency program a big success

A recently published commentary regarding electricity costs by Senate Minority Leader Stephen S. Hershey, Jr. in The Baltimore Sun (“Steve Hershey: Democratic policies to blame for out-of-control utility rates,” Jan. 30) is riddled with inaccuracies, but I’m picking a particularly egregious one.

While imperfect, EmPOWER Maryland, the state’s energy efficiency program, has been tremendously successful. The law was passed in response to threats of rolling blackouts and skyrocketing electricity prices. It met its goal of reducing per-capita electricity consumption 15% by 2015 and has steadily reduced electricity consumption since.

By requiring utilities to invest in efficiency, the program has already saved customers $4 billion on their energy bills with projected lifetime savings worth $12.7 billion thanks to incentives and rebates for home weatherization and efficient appliances.

The Maryland General Assembly was wise to update the program in 2024 to expand EmPOWER offerings and right-size utility profits which were needlessly driving up program costs. All Marylanders should take advantage of EmPOWER offerings to help reduce energy waste and pollution and save money on energy bills.

— Emily Scarr, Baltimore

The writer is senior adviser to Maryland PIRG and the Maryland PIRG Foundation.

In Annapolis, a chance to lower drug prices

The recent article detailing how President Donald Trump is reversing actions by the Biden administration that were working to bring down the high cost of prescription drugs resonated deeply with me (“Trump reverses some Biden health care policies. What it means for Maryland,” Jan. 24).

I know firsthand what it’s like to struggle to pay for the medication I need to lead a full and healthy life. For several years, I have taken a drug Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) to help me cope with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and it has been life changing. My focus and performance at work improved and my anxiety quieted.

From the start, Vyvanse was expensive but I had insurance and was fortunate to be able to afford the nearly $100 a month copay. That changed when I lost my health insurance and I suddenly faced a $600 bill at the pharmacy counter, something I simply couldn’t handle as a mother supporting two children.

I was forced to stop taking my medication and the impact was severe: I couldn’t perform my corporate duties and I lost my job.

I am not alone. People across Maryland struggle to pay for the drugs they need. Meanwhile, the makers of Vyvanse made more than $3 billion in 2023 from the drug. It simply feels wrong that a medicine that so many of us need to function is too expensive to buy. Drugs don’t work if people can’t afford them and we can’t afford to wait to act in Maryland.

The Maryland General Assembly should act this year to expand the authority of the Maryland Prescription Drug Affordability Board which has done great work developing plans to bring down the costs paid for certain high-cost drugs by state and local governments. Expanding their authority will allow the board to come up with similar plans to benefit all Marylanders.

— Erica Miller, Baltimore

The Baltimore Sun is seeking nominations for its 10th annual Business and Civic Hall of Fame, recognizing individuals who’ve fostered transformational change in the Baltimore region. Email nominations by Feb.10 to talkback@baltimoresun.com with a brief description of the nominee’s accomplishments and background. We will announce the 2025 inductees in March, and honor them with an event and special newspaper section in June.