Bill > HB645

This bill requires counties and Baltimore City to update their comprehensive plans to include a new "electric system planning element" aimed at minimizing the impact of future transmission line development in Maryland. The electric system planning element must develop transmission line corridors, create future scenario plans for high-energy use transmission lines, and align corridor development with facility growth, electricity needs, and reliability concerns. Electric companies must prioritize siting high-energy facilities near identified transmission corridors and support strategies like co-locating transmission lines with existing infrastructure, building underground lines, upgrading existing transmission line capacity, and incorporating distribution system enhancement technologies. Each electric company must report annually to their county starting January 1, 2026, on their efforts to implement these strategies. Additionally, beginning October 1, 2025, electric companies must submit annual reports to the Public Service Commission detailing their electricity demand forecasts, load growth assessments, planned resources, anticipated regulatory impacts, demand response practices, renewable energy connection initiatives, and ongoing infrastructure projects. The bill is designed to improve electric transmission infrastructure planning, enhance system reliability, and support more strategic and environmentally conscious transmission line development. The provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Business and Industry

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0645?ys=2025RS