Construction and Expansion of Transmission Lines and Task Force to Develop a Realistic Electricity Plan for Maryland

SB 953 establishes a 19-member Task Force to study Maryland's electricity needs through 2040, focusing on limiting out-of-state electricity imports to 25% by 2030 and analyzing costs for ratepayers. The bill temporarily halts the Public Service Commission from approving new or expanded transmission lines from July 1, 2025, through May 1, 2026. The Task Force, including utility representatives, environmental groups, and ratepayer advocates, must report findings by December 2025, examining scenarios for energy reliability and cost. This directly affects utilities planning infrastructure, ratepayers facing potential bill changes, and state energy planners developing long-term strategies. The moratorium expires automatically on June 30, 2026.