Bill > HB143

This bill mandates that the Maryland Public Service Commission (Commission), in collaboration with the Maryland Energy Administration (Administration), conduct studies on critical aspects of electricity supply and market structures. Specifically, the Commission will investigate the advantages and disadvantages of requiring electric companies to secure at least 80% of their electricity needs for the next five years through contracts. Furthermore, the Commission and Administration, working with neighboring states, will jointly examine the benefits and costs of potential alternatives to the current PJM Interconnection, LLC (PJM) capacity market model, including options like forming a multistate compact to secure electricity capacity through private contracts or competitive auctions, or withdrawing from PJM altogether to establish an independent regional transmission organization or join another existing one. The findings and recommendations from these studies are to be reported to the Governor and the General Assembly by December 31, 2026. The bill also includes a legislative finding that PJM's actions have led to increased electricity costs for consumers and have not adequately addressed ratepayer concerns or state energy policies.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0143?ys=2026RS