SB 270 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to analyze the full costs to ratepayers of different electricity generation options, including natural gas, nuclear, and offshore wind (specifically 8,500 MW capacity). The analysis must compare costs under three scenarios: natural gas alone, nuclear alone, and offshore wind with energy storage, while accounting for wind's intermittency and reliability costs. It mandates using a standardized cost model to identify the most cost-effective energy sources for ratepayers. The Commission must submit findings and policy recommendations to relevant legislative committees by December 1, 2027. This bill directly affects Maryland electricity consumers by informing future energy policy decisions.
HB 597 extends Montgomery County's Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) Pilot Program from a 7-year to a 9-year duration. It changes the program's end date to 9 years after its start (instead of 7) and updates key reporting deadlines: progress reports must now be submitted by April 1, 2035, and the final study report by December 31, 2035. The bill directly affects Montgomery County residents participating in the CCA program and the Public Service Commission, which must submit these reports. This is a technical adjustment to existing law, modifying timelines without changing program rules or eligibility.
HB 674 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to analyze the full costs and benefits of different electricity generation sources for ratepayers. The commission must compare three scenarios: current natural gas and nuclear capacity, 8,500 megawatts of offshore wind plus storage, and calculate additional reliability costs for wind energy. Using the Levelized Full System Cost model, the analysis will identify the lowest-cost options and recommend policy changes to support them. The commission must submit findings to relevant legislative committees by December 1, 2027, with the bill taking effect October 1, 2026. This directly affects electricity ratepayers through potential cost comparisons for state energy choices.
SB 344 extends the deadline for community solar energy systems to receive Public Service Commission approval, allowing land used by these systems to qualify for agricultural property tax assessment. Specifically, it changes the requirement from approval "on or before December 31, 2025" to "on or before December 31, 2030" for systems placed in service after June 30, 2022. This directly affects community solar developers and landowners seeking agricultural tax treatment for solar installations. The bill amends Maryland's property tax code to maintain eligibility for agricultural assessment without altering the core criteria for qualifying land use. The change takes effect June 1, 2026, applying to all taxable years beginning after June 30, 2026.
HB 734 extends the deadline for community solar energy systems to qualify for agricultural property tax assessment from 2025 to December 31, 2030. It applies to systems placed in service after June 30, 2022, and approved by the Public Service Commission by the new deadline. The bill ensures land used for qualifying community solar projects is assessed as actively farmed agricultural land, allowing property owners to receive lower tax rates. This directly affects landowners operating community solar systems that meet these criteria.
HB 112 extends the deadline for community solar energy systems to receive Public Service Commission approval from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2030, to qualify for agricultural property tax assessment. It specifically clarifies that land used for "agrivoltaics" (solar systems combined with farming) must be assessed as actively farmland under Maryland’s agricultural tax program. This change directly affects community solar developers and landowners with qualifying solar installations seeking lower agricultural tax rates. The bill takes effect June 1, 2026, applying to taxable years beginning after June 30, 2026.
SB 201 modifies Maryland's requirements for approving new overhead transmission lines over 69,000 volts. It requires applicants to include specific details in their applications and mandates the Public Service Commission to consider certain evidence before approving projects. The bill also adds new reporting obligations for owners/operators of existing transmission lines. It defines "advanced transmission technologies" to include grid-enhancing tools, high-performance conductors, and energy storage used for transmission. These changes directly affect electric companies planning or operating high-voltage transmission infrastructure in Maryland.
