Energy (Utility Regulation)

died · Maryland · House of Delegates Mar 2, 2026

HB 1443: Retail Supply of Electricity and Gas - Regulation and Consumer Protection - Alterations

HB 1443 modernizes Maryland's retail electricity and gas market rules. It repeals outdated provisions about energy salesperson licensing and green power marketing, while requiring the Public Service Commission to create an "Energy Choice Multimedia Program" to educate consumers about energy choices and climate commitments. Key changes include new requirements for energy suppliers to submit vendor lists to the Commission, updated license renewal processes, and added due process protections before license actions. The bill directly affects electricity/gas suppliers, energy vendors, and residential consumers through these regulatory updates.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRepeals outdated green power marketing restrictions and mandates climate-focused consumer education, advancing renewable energy adoption and consumer choice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 10, 2026

HB 928: Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity - Transmission Lines - Applicability and Waivers

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires environmental impact consideration for transmission projects, aligning with clean energy infrastructure standards and ratepayer cost protections.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires environmental impact consideration in transmission line approvals, strengthening review process for projects affecting natural resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Transmission Utility Regulation

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in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 16, 2026

SB 850: Electric and Gas Companies - Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and Demand Response Programs - Alterations (Utility Affordability and Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026)

SB 850 requires Maryland electric and gas companies (including midsize cooperatives after 2026) to design energy efficiency, conservation, and demand response programs that demonstrably lower residential customer bills. It mandates the Public Service Commission to establish caps on certain assessments and set deadlines for eliminating unpaid utility costs. The law ensures programs must include measurable bill savings for households, not just energy reductions, and requires annual reports tracking energy savings and emissions reductions from these programs. This directly affects all residential utility customers in Maryland by linking program requirements to tangible cost savings.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates utility programs to lower residential bills, providing direct financial relief to households and promoting fiscal responsibility through measurable savings.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires utilities to design energy efficiency programs with measurable bill savings for households, mandates ratepayer protections, and focuses on lowering residential energy costs through conservation programs.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates energy efficiency and conservation programs for utilities, directly promoting resource conservation and reduced energy consumption, aligning with environmental protection goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingSB 850 mandates programs that demonstrably lower residential utility bills, directly reducing housing costs for households and advancing affordable housing affordability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Energy Efficiency Utility Regulation Conservation

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 23, 2026

HB 723: Electric Companies - Cost Containment Plans - Requirement (Securing Affordable, Valuable Investments in Next Generation Grid Solutions (SAVINGS) Act)

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates cost containment plans using distributed energy resources, grid-enhancing tech, and demand flexibility to reduce peak demand, directly advancing renewable integration and grid efficiency per bill language.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates nonwires solutions (distributed energy, grid tech) and building electrification, reducing emissions and advancing clean energy transition.80% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires electric companies to use grid-enhancing technologies and distributed energy resources in cost containment plans, directly advancing energy technology solutions per bill language.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Utility Regulation

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in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 19, 2026

HB 40: Public Utilities - Transmission Lines - Advanced Transmission Technologies

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly includes advanced transmission tech for connecting out-of-state renewable energy to Maryland's grid, advancing renewable energy infrastructure integration.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill explicitly includes advanced transmission technologies (grid software, conductors, energy storage) in regulatory definitions to integrate renewable energy, advancing tech infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Transmission Utility Regulation

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passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 270: Public Service Commission - Full Costs and Benefits Analysis of Sources of Electricity Generation

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates cost analysis to identify most cost-effective energy source, promoting fiscal responsibility for ratepayers via standardized cost modeling.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates analysis including offshore wind (8,500 MW) alongside fossil/nuclear, requiring cost comparison under scenarios that position renewables as a viable option for ratepayers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Utility Regulation Wind

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signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 28, 2026

HB 597: Montgomery County - Community Choice Aggregation Pilot Program - Alterations MC 17-26

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExtends CCA pilot program enabling community energy procurement, typically advancing renewable energy access through aggregated purchasing power.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Utility Regulation

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 4, 2026

HB 674: Public Service Commission - Full Costs and Benefits Analysis of Sources of Electricity Generation

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates analysis comparing offshore wind (8,500 MW) against current sources, using cost model to identify lowest-cost options and recommend policies supporting renewable energy integration.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates analysis prioritizing offshore wind (clean energy) over natural gas, requiring policy recommendations to support lowest-cost renewable options and reduce emissions.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas Utility Regulation Wind

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signed · Maryland · Senate Apr 14, 2026

SB 344: Property Tax - Agricultural Use Assessment - Community Solar Energy Generating Systems

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExtends agricultural tax assessment for solar systems, providing property tax relief to developers/landowners by lowering their tax burden.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExtends deadline for community solar systems to qualify for agricultural tax assessment, directly promoting renewable energy development and infrastructure expansion.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Solar Utility Regulation

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates Apr 14, 2026

HB 734: Property Tax - Agricultural Use Assessment - Community Solar Energy Generating Systems

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExtends agricultural tax assessment for solar projects, lowering property taxes for qualifying landowners by maintaining reduced tax rates under agricultural classification.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExtends tax incentives for community solar projects, lowering costs for developers and promoting renewable energy adoption through agricultural tax assessment benefits.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends tax incentives for community solar projects, promoting renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence per bill's focus on qualifying solar systems.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Solar Utility Regulation