Energy Resource Adequacy and Planning Act

HB 1037 creates the Integrated Resource Planning Office within Maryland's Public Service Commission to develop a 25-year comprehensive energy forecast (2025-2050) analyzing electricity demand, greenhouse gas reduction goals, and reliability. The bill requires electric companies to develop integrated resource plans based on this forecast, which must include projections for statewide and regional demand, scenarios for meeting energy needs and emissions targets, financial impacts on ratepayers, and recommendations for generation, transmission, and storage. The Office must conduct a supporting study by September 2026, examining energy storage viability, potential independent distribution operators, and grid modernization opportunities. This legislation directly affects electric utilities, the Public Service Commission, and Maryland ratepayers through new planning requirements and transparency about energy strategy costs.