Bill > SB596

This bill modifies regulations for "large load customers," defined as commercial or industrial electricity users with a monthly demand of at least 25 megawatts and a load factor over 80%, by exempting them from needing a certificate of public convenience and necessity to connect to the electric system if they utilize "surplus interconnection," which is unused capacity at existing connection points. The Public Service Commission is required to establish a process for these large load customers to interconnect, including standard and expedited timelines that do not negatively affect other customers, and these customers must provide 25% of their load through methods like behind-the-meter energy storage, purchasing capacity from new storage or carbon-free assets, or demand response; customers who provide 100% of their load through these methods and pay prevailing wages will receive priority for load studies, interconnection, and permitting. Before contracting for service, large load customers must request a load study and pay fees, with 50% of these fees supporting the Electric Universal Service Program and the other 50% funding the Empower Maryland Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program. Additionally, the bill establishes a demand response program for large load customers, offering them options for load management periods and requiring clear compensation, penalties for nonperformance, and dispute resolution processes, while electric companies must provide advance notice of demand response periods. Finally, the Maryland Energy Administration will study surplus interconnection potential by December 31, 2026, and report its findings to the General Assembly to encourage its use, with the entire act taking effect on October 1, 2026.

Education

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0596?ys=2026RS