Bill > HB950

This bill, the County and Municipal Street Lighting Investment Act, allows certain counties and municipalities to take ownership of street lighting equipment from electric companies, which are defined as companies that provide electricity. This acquisition can be done through purchase or condemnation, a legal process to acquire private property for public use. Once acquired, these local governments can convert their street lighting service to a customer-owned tariff, meaning they will manage the service themselves. They can also enter into agreements to purchase electricity from either the electric company or a licensed retail supplier. The bill defines "make ready work" as modifications needed to transfer the equipment, and "net book value" as the original cost of the equipment minus depreciation and any prior contributions, calculated using specific federal accounting methods. The local government will be responsible for maintaining the acquired equipment, though they can contract with the electric company or another entity for this service. The bill also establishes procedures for resolving disputes regarding the acquisition and requires electric companies to file a new "customer-owned street lighting tariff" that includes distribution service costs and any make-ready work costs.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0950?ys=2026RS