Bill > HB1253

This bill, the Break STRIDE Act, repeals provisions that allowed gas companies to propose plans to the Public Service Commission (PSC) for investing in eligible infrastructure replacement projects and recover those costs through a surcharge on customer bills. Eligible infrastructure replacement projects were defined as improvements made after June 1, 2013, aimed at improving public safety or reliability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by fixing leaks, and not increasing revenue by connecting new customers. The bill also prohibits the PSC from allowing gas companies or combined gas and electric companies to recover certain infrastructure replacement costs using alternative regulatory methods, such as multiyear rate plans, starting October 1, 2026. Additionally, it modifies requirements for investor-owned gas companies seeking to recover costs for planned gas infrastructure investments, now requiring them to provide at least two years' advance notice to affected customers if a nonpipeline alternative (an investment or activity that defers, reduces, or eliminates the need for a new gas pipeline) is not feasible, and to include a description of the planned investment and any other information the PSC deems necessary in their customer notification.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1253?ys=2026RS