SB 596 exempts large commercial or industrial electricity customers (defined as those with 25+ MW monthly demand and over 80% load factor) from needing a certificate of public convenience to connect to the grid when using surplus interconnection capacity. It establishes a new interconnection process with standard and expedited timelines, requiring these customers to cover 25% of their power needs through on-site storage, new carbon-free energy sources, or demand response. The bill also mandates a Demand Response Program where large customers can opt for scheduled load reductions during peak times in exchange for compensation, with fees from interconnection requests split between universal service and low-income energy efficiency programs.
HB 940 exempts large commercial and industrial electricity customers (defined as those with at least 25 megawatts monthly demand and over 80% load factor) from needing a certificate of public convenience and necessity when using surplus interconnection capacity at existing grid points. It requires the Public Service Commission to create a new interconnection process with standard and expedited timelines, mandating that these customers provide 25% of their load through energy storage, carbon-free assets, or demand response. Customers meeting 100% of this requirement through specified methods and paying prevailing wages receive priority for load studies, interconnection, and permitting. The bill also establishes a Demand Response Program allowing large customers to contract for specific load management time slots, with fees collected from the interconnection process split between universal service and low-income energy efficiency programs.
SB 598 requires Maryland electric companies to submit cost containment plans to the Public Service Commission by January 1, 2027, and every three years thereafter. These plans must detail how the companies will reduce costs through "nonwires solutions" (like distributed energy resources and grid-enhancing technologies) and "demand flexibility" programs to avoid expensive infrastructure upgrades. The bill specifically mandates that plans address reducing peak electricity demand and integrating renewable energy while maintaining grid reliability. This directly affects all Maryland electric distribution and transmission companies operating under the Public Service Commission.
HB 928 modifies Maryland's requirements for constructing transmission lines over 69,000 volts. It expands the types of transmission lines needing a "certificate of public convenience and necessity" (replacing the previous focus on overhead lines), and requires the Public Service Commission to consider ratepayer costs and environmental impacts when deciding whether to waive this requirement for certain projects. The bill also removes a prior rule that automatically waived certificate requirements for specific overhead lines. This directly affects electric companies, transmission developers, and the Public Service Commission in their approval processes for new or upgraded power lines.
HB 723 requires Maryland electric companies to submit cost containment plans to the Public Service Commission by January 1, 2027, and every three years thereafter. These plans must detail strategies to reduce peak electricity demand through specific mechanisms, including "nonwires solutions" (like distributed energy resources and grid-enhancing technologies), demand flexibility programs, and grid flexibility-enabled building electrification. The bill mandates that plans avoid or minimize capital spending on infrastructure while improving system reliability and efficiency. This directly affects all electric distribution and transmission companies operating in Maryland.
HB 40 updates Maryland's regulations for overhead transmission lines over 69,000 volts. It redefines "qualified generator lead line" to include lines using advanced transmission technologies (like grid-enhancing software, high-performance conductors, or energy storage) that connect out-of-state renewable energy sources to Maryland's grid. The bill requires applicants for construction permits to include specific details in their applications, mandates the Public Service Commission to consider certain evidence before approving projects, and obligates line owners to submit regular reports to the Commission. These changes directly affect utility companies seeking to build or upgrade transmission infrastructure.
SB 386 (Lower Bills and Local Power Act of 2026) requires electric companies operating high-voltage transmission lines (over 69,000 volts) in Maryland to join a regional transmission organization. It mandates that applicants seeking permits for new transmission lines must include alternative proposals using advanced transmission technologies and compare their cost-effectiveness. The bill creates a new Solar and Energy Storage Market Stabilization Program within the Maryland Energy Administration and directs funds from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to provide refunds or credits to residential customers. These changes aim to modernize transmission infrastructure, promote technology adoption, and reduce costs for Maryland ratepayers.
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.
