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HB 1419

Electric Distribution System Support Services - Energy Storage and Data Use

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Fraser-Hidalgo

Allows Maryland electric utilities to own energy storage systems and collect distributed energy resource data, with costs recoverable through customer rates.

Hearing 4/03 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1419

Legislative bill overview

HB 1419 authorizes Maryland's electric distribution companies to provide support services for energy storage systems and collect data on distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar panels and batteries. The bill allows utilities to own, operate, or contract for these services while establishing a regulatory framework for cost recovery through rate adjustments.

Why is this important

As Maryland transitions toward renewable energy and grid modernization, utilities need real-time data on distributed energy resources to maintain grid stability and efficiency. This bill enables utilities to play an active role in energy storage deployment and data management, which could accelerate the state's clean energy goals but also affects how utility costs and profits are structured.

Potential points of contention

  • Rate recovery concerns: Allows utilities to recover costs for new services through rate adjustments, which may increase consumer electricity bills without clear caps on spending
  • Utility financial incentives: Granting utilities ownership and profit opportunities in energy storage could create conflicts with their traditional duty to minimize consumer costs
  • Data ownership and privacy: Expanded data collection on household energy systems raises questions about who owns the data, how it's used, and consumer privacy protections
  • Market competition: Direct utility involvement in energy storage services may disadvantage private companies and reduce competitive innovation in the growing storage market

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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