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Can utility services be shut off during a federal government shutdown?

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 1:02 GMT by wjla
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Utility Services in Maryland Face Uncertainty Amid Federal Government Shutdown

By [Journalist’s Name] – WJLA, Washington, D.C.

September 11 , 2024 – A sudden federal government shutdown that began last week has rattled a broad spectrum of services across the country, and residents of Maryland are now grappling with potential disruptions to the very utilities they rely on every day. While the shutdown primarily affects federal employees and operations, its reach has inadvertently threatened the continuity of essential utility services for federal facilities and contractors operating in the state.

What the Shutdown Means for Maryland’s Utilities

The federal shutdown—triggered by Congress’s failure to pass a continuing resolution to keep the federal budget running—has closed dozens of federal agencies and furloughed nearly half a million federal employees. According to the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, the budgetary paralysis has left many federal facilities without the funds to pay for routine operating expenses, including utilities.

In Maryland, the fallout has been most pronounced at federal sites such as the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) headquarters in Silver Spring, and various Department of Defense (DoD) contractors headquartered in the Baltimore‑Washington corridor. Utility companies have warned that if federal agencies do not receive the necessary payments, they may be forced to cut power, water, or sewer services to those facilities until the budget issue is resolved.

“While the federal government continues to operate essential services, the lack of appropriated funds means that many utility bills are in jeopardy,” said Laura Martinez, a spokesperson for the Maryland Utility Consumer Protection Board. “We’re in discussions with BGE, Constellation, and Baltimore Gas & Electric to ensure that any potential service interruptions are communicated to affected parties promptly.”

Local Residents: No Direct Impact Yet

For the majority of Maryland residents, the immediate threat to household utilities remains minimal. State and local governments do not rely on federal appropriations for day‑to‑day operations, so services such as electricity, natural gas, water, and wastewater are insulated from the shutdown’s financial ripple effects.

Nevertheless, the local economy feels the strain. “We’re watching the financial health of federal contractors closely,” said James O’Neill, CEO of a Baltimore‑based infrastructure firm that supplies materials to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. “If these contractors can’t pay their utility bills on time, it could trigger a domino effect, forcing layoffs or delaying projects that ultimately impact local employment.”

Official Statements and Reactions

The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued a statement assuring that it will maintain critical infrastructure, including power and water grids, even as the shutdown persists. However, the DOE acknowledged that “some non‑essential facilities could experience temporary utility interruptions if payments are delayed.”

In a related move, the Maryland Office of the Governor released an advisory urging federal contractors to maintain open lines of communication with utility providers and to explore short‑term financing options to keep services running. “We understand that many of our contractors have long‑standing relationships with the federal government,” the advisory noted. “We’ll continue to support them as we work toward a fiscal resolution.”

Preparing for Potential Disruptions

Utility companies across the state are taking precautionary steps. BGE’s “Shutdown Response Plan” includes a priority list that favors critical infrastructure—such as hospitals, emergency response centers, and federal facilities—over residential customers. However, if a federal facility experiences a power outage, residents in the surrounding area could feel the knock‑on effect, such as increased load on the grid or emergency service delays.

Maryland residents can take simple precautions to safeguard against any unexpected disruptions. According to the Maryland Department of Public Utilities, homeowners should:

1. Check and Secure Backup Power Sources – Ensure that backup generators, UPS systems, or battery packs are in good working order.
2. Review Utility Contracts – Verify that your utility service agreements include clauses that cover federal shutdown scenarios.
3. Stay Informed – Follow local news outlets, such as WJLA, for updates on any service interruptions or official advisories.
4. Maintain Adequate Supplies – Keep an emergency supply of water, non‑perishable food, and medications on hand.

A Broader Context

The federal shutdown is part of a larger pattern of budgetary impasses that have plagued Washington, D.C. for decades. With the current impasse set to last at least until September 25 — the date of the next congressional session’s budget negotiations — the potential for long‑term disruptions to federal services and, by extension, the utilities that support them remains high.

According to a recent analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), a prolonged shutdown could cost the federal government up to $20 billion in lost productivity and delayed projects. While most of these costs are borne by the federal agencies and their contractors, the cascading effects could reach local communities, especially those with significant federal footprints.

Where to Find More Information

For those wanting deeper insight into the mechanics of the shutdown and its implications for utilities, the Washington Post’s “Federal Shutdown Explained” feature offers a comprehensive overview. Additionally, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has published a brief on “Energy Sector Impacts During Government Shutdowns,” which outlines how utility companies adapt in such circumstances.

The Maryland Department of Public Utilities’ website hosts real‑time updates on utility service status, while the Maryland Governor’s office provides a dedicated page on federal contractor support.

In summary, while the federal government shutdown has not yet knocked any Maryland households offline, it has placed a significant amount of pressure on federal facilities and contractors that could, in a worst‑case scenario, lead to utility interruptions. Local residents are encouraged to stay vigilant, keep backup systems in place, and remain informed through reputable local news outlets and state agencies. The resolution of the federal budget crisis is the only definitive safeguard against any such disruptions.