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HB 1494

Electricity and Retail Gas Supply - Customer Choice, Consumer Protection, and Green Power (Retail Energy Modernization and Consumer Choice Act)

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jeff Long

HB 1494 expands Maryland's energy market from utility monopolies to competitive retail suppliers, aiming to increase consumer choice and green energy options while requiring new consumer protections.

Hearing 3/10 at 1:00 p.m.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1494

Legislative bill overview

HB 1494 would modernize Maryland's retail electricity and natural gas markets by expanding consumer choice beyond traditional utility monopolies. The bill appears designed to allow customers to purchase energy from alternative retail suppliers while establishing new consumer protection standards and promoting renewable energy options in a competitive market framework.

Why is this important

Maryland currently operates under a regulated utility model where most consumers have limited choice in energy providers. This bill could lower energy costs through competition, accelerate renewable energy adoption, and give consumers more control over their power sources—though implementation details significantly affect real-world outcomes for different customer groups.

Potential points of contention

  • Rate impacts and equity: Deregulation could create winners and losers; low-income households and rural customers may face higher costs or lose service protections, requiring careful safeguards
  • Grid reliability and infrastructure: Shifting responsibility among multiple retail suppliers and utilities requires clear operational protocols to prevent reliability issues during peak demand
  • Environmental goals vs. market incentives: While promoting "green power," the bill must ensure renewable targets don't conflict with market forces that might favor cheaper fossil fuels
  • Utility financial stability: Incumbent utilities losing customer revenue could struggle to maintain infrastructure investment, requiring transition mechanisms
  • Consumer protection complexity: New disclosure requirements and dispute resolution processes must be robust enough to protect customers from predatory practices by retail suppliers

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

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