The Maryland Public Service Commission upheld an administrative law judge ruling allowing Williamsport, Md., to pass through to ratepayers PJM’s annual $5,000 membership fee.

The commission ruled March 18 that the fee is part of the cost of purchased power because the town is required to be a PJM member to buy power on the wholesale market. The town purchases power from Allegheny Energy Supply Co. for distribution to town residents. The Office of People’s Counsel challenged inclusion of the fee in the town’s Power Cost Adjustment, saying it should be requested as part of Williamsport’s next base rate proceeding.