MARVIN MANDEL, Governor

3979

House Bill No. 48 — Study of Public Service Rates

AN ACT concerning

Public Service Commission — Study of Rate Structure

FOR the purpose of requiring the Public Service
Commission to study certain rate structures used by
gas and electric companies under its jurisdiction,
investigate alternatives to these rate structures,
and report its findings to the Governor and the
General Assembly by a certain date.

May 15, 1975.
Honorable John Hanson Briscoe
Speaker of the House of Delegates
State House
Annapolis, Maryland

Dear Mr. Speaker:

In accordance with Article II, Section 17 of the
Maryland Constitution, I have today vetoed House Bill 48.

This bill requires the Maryland Public Service
Commission to undertake a study of certain rate
structures presently employed by gas companies and
electric companies, investigate alternative rate
structures, and report their findings and recommendations
by September 1, 1975.

The Chairman of the Public Service Commission has
requested that I veto this bill for several reasons.
Such a study was begun by the Public Service Commission
in November of 1974, and hearings are presently being
conducted. Therefore, the bill is not necessary.

In addition, the bill requires a report of the
Commission's findings and recommendations by September 1,
1975. The Chairman of the Commission has indicated that
it is impossible to complete this complex investigation
by that date. A copy of the Chairman's letter is
attached and should be considered a part of this veto
message.

For these reasons, I have decided to veto House Bill
48.

Sincerely