Legislative leaders in Annapolis on Wednesday addressed the high gas and electric bills in a joint briefing with the House Economic Matters Committee.

The push for lower electric bills may take effect as lawmakers seek to accommodate and satisfy displeased Maryland customers. Across the state, Marylanders and businesses have been complaining about the uncomfortable cost of energy and electric bills.

Commission Advisor Morris Shrine told delegates of a plan to combat rates that could increase by nearly 25% this year.

When asked about the request to rescind or halt rate hikes, Maryland Public Service Commissioner Frederick Hoover said they don’t have the power to rescind a rate increase already granted.

The panel of utilities, including Baltimore Gas and Electric, said several factors go into that spike including increased usage this winter.

“I don’t know if you thought maybe it was providing some kind of relief because winter is over, but the concern is the summer’s coming, and what’s to stop us from not being right back where we were?” said Charles County Delegate C.T. Wilson, D-District 28.

Baltimore-based consumer group PIRG now wants to see state leaders take action.

“The two things that the state leaders can do to address wasteful spending is passing the Ratepayer Protection Act… and ending multi-year rate making. Both of these programs have exacerbated an existing incentive to overspend,” said Emily Scarr, Maryland PIRG senior advisor.

In a statement to WBAL, BGE said: “We know some BGE customers are struggling to pay their energy bills, and we welcome all constructive dialogue on providing relief to Marylanders. Continuing the discussion on energy costs is still necessary due to bill impacts driven by insufficient electricity generation, increasing energy demand, and necessary utility infrastructure investments.”

Earlier this week, the Maryland Freedom Caucus introduced two bills that could provide some relief for consumers.

WBAL-TV 11 contributed to this report.