Energy (Wind)

HB 1476 modifies Maryland’s net energy metering program by ending the current standard tariff when total customer-generator capacity reaches 3,000 megawatts or a successor program is implemented. It requires the Public Service Commission to develop and implement a new successor program by December 2026, which must balance incentives for distributed solar/wind generation, minimize costs for utility customers, and ensure fair compensation while considering grid needs and energy equity. The successor program will remain available until combined capacity from both the old and new programs reaches 6,000 megawatts. This bill directly affects residential and commercial solar/wind owners, utilities, and all Maryland ratepayers through changes to how distributed energy is compensated and integrated into the grid.

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 629 requires the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) to study the potential for land-based wind energy generation across Maryland. The study must assess the state's total wind energy potential, identify specific locations for generation, and examine successful mitigation strategies used elsewhere to resolve conflicts between wind turbines and military radar systems. The MEA may use funds from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to conduct the study, with findings due to the Governor and relevant legislative committees by December 1, 2026. This bill does not create new regulations but mandates a factual analysis to inform future decisions about wind energy development.

SB 429 requires the Maryland Energy Administration to study the potential for land-based wind energy generation in Maryland. The study must assess total wind energy potential, identify suitable locations, examine successful mitigation solutions for conflicts with military radar systems (like ADAMS), and evaluate their applicability in Maryland. The Administration may use funds from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to conduct the study and must submit findings and recommendations to the Governor and relevant legislative committees by December 1, 2026. This bill directly affects the Maryland Energy Administration and sets a framework for future policy decisions on wind energy development.

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.