Bill > S1875

This bill aims to modernize local energy infrastructure and investment. Key provisions include: 1. Requiring the Department to establish procedures for electric distribution companies to create and file Grid Modernization Plans every 5 years, which will evaluate the potential benefits and costs of local energy resources, propose incentives for their deployment, and identify any necessary infrastructure investments. 2. Creating a Grid Modernization Consumer Board to provide input on and help approve these Grid Modernization Plans. 3. Requiring a "Determination of Wires" process before constructing major transmission or distribution infrastructure, which must consider whether local energy resource alternatives could more cost-effectively meet the identified need. 4. Limiting the residential fixed charge that distribution companies can charge to only the costs directly related to connection, billing, and customer service. 5. Requiring distribution companies to offer customers the option to choose a time-of-use rate, with at least one year of bill protection for residential customers trying it for the first time.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/S1875