Public Utilities - Off-Grid Electricity Providers - Exemption

HB 1190 exempts new off-grid electricity providers (those starting operations on or after October 1, 2026) from most public utility regulations, including permits and rules under Maryland’s Public Utilities Article. However, these providers must still comply with specific construction requirements under Sections 7-207 and 7-207.1 when building generating facilities. The exemption ends if a provider later connects to the state grid, crosses state lines, or locates within/along roads or rights-of-way. This bill directly affects new off-grid energy operators, not existing providers or grid-connected utilities.