Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act

The bill title was expanded from 'Continuing the Next Generation Energy Act' to include 'Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act,' and the purpose section grew from roughly 25 lines to over 47 lines, adding provisions on customer notifications, solar permitting, gas company program repeals, net energy metering successor programs, alternative compliance fee auctions, and more.

The bill was designated an EMERGENCY BILL in the third version, meaning it can take effect immediately upon gubernatorial signature rather than waiting the standard 90-day period.

New provisions were added to the State Government Article creating Subtitle 20E for 'Alternative Compliance Fee Auctions,' requiring the Administration to conduct certain auctions. The Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund uses were also altered, and the Governor is required to include a specific appropriation in the annual budget bill to be credited to certain accounts.

The bill now includes provisions to repeal certain requirements for gas companies to develop energy efficiency, conservation, demand response, beneficial electrification, and greenhouse gas emissions reduction programs; alter greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets for electric companies; authorize portable solar energy generating systems under certain circumstances; require transmission line owners to participate in a regional transmission organization; and establish a successor program to the net energy metering program.

New Section 1-1320 of the Local Government Article requires all counties and municipalities to implement solar permitting software by August 1, 2027 (extended from 2025 in the first version). The software must automate plan review, issue code-compliant permits, accept online payments, and issue permits immediately upon payment. Counties must complete inspections within 5 business days and offer remote inspection options if average in-person times exceed 5 days. A $500 maximum permitting fee is set for residential rooftop solar systems under 30 kilowatts.

New Section 4-203.1 of the Public Utilities Article requires investor-owned electric and gas companies to notify customers via bill insert or email before initiating any proceeding that may lead to a rate change. Companies must also include a statement on every retail customer bill explaining the PSC's role and directing customers to the commission website. The PSC must publish an annual rate report for each company by January 1, 2028, showing 10-year rate trends in nontechnical terms.

The electric universal service program was moved from the Public Service Commission to the Office of Home Energy Programs within the Department of Human Services. Total annual funding is set at $37 million, allocated as $27.4 million from industrial and commercial classes and $9.6 million from residential class. A new arrearage prevention program is established with up to two recipients that must demonstrate efforts to secure private investment in rooftop solar and provide local employment.

The Environmental Trust Fund provision that provided up to $250,000 per fiscal year to the Maryland Energy Administration for energy studies was removed. In its place, $375,000 per fiscal year is directed to the Chesapeake Bay Trust for energy conservation projects through the Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr., Chesapeake Conservation and Climate Corps Program.