Public Utilities - Electric Cooperatives - Rate Proceedings

HB 984 applies to electric cooperatives and small utility companies (with under 3% of Maryland’s total utility revenue) by modifying how the Public Service Commission reviews rate changes. It requires the Commission to hold new proceedings within 90 days if a rate proposal is suspended, ensuring any revenue adjustment maintains the existing rate of return or debt coverage ratio without changing the rate structure. The bill also sets strict timelines (90 days for initial decisions, 120 days for further actions) and prevents frequent rate filings by requiring a 90-day waiting period between proposals. This streamlines the process for these specific utilities while maintaining consistency with past rate-setting methods.