HAGERSTOWN, Md. (DC News Now) -- Maryland utility rates could be going up. The state Public Service Commission held the first in a series of public forums in Hagerstown this week on the proposed rate increase. New boutique hotel in downtown Frederick part of city’s dynamic momentum A typical household may pay roughly $15 more per month if the rate hike takes effect. "It seems like the rate hike is outrageous," Washington County resident Thomas Eorum told the commission at the hearing. "In these times I think the government agencies need to ride herd on monopolies like Columbia Gas of Maryland." NiSource, the parent company of Columbia, said the rate increase is needed to upgrade utility infrastructure. The commission moves next to Cumberland for a public hearing there.