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HB 958

Natural Gas – Connection and Line Extension – Discounts and Payment Plans

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Adams and 11 co-sponsors

HB 958 creates discounts and payment plans to reduce barriers for Maryland customers connecting to or extending natural gas lines.

First Reading Environment and Transportation
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Bill Summary · HB 958

Legislative bill overview

HB 958 would establish discounts and flexible payment plans for customers seeking to connect to natural gas lines or extend existing natural gas infrastructure. The bill appears designed to reduce upfront costs that may currently deter residential or commercial properties from accessing natural gas service in Maryland.

Why is this important

Natural gas connection costs can be prohibitively expensive for property owners, potentially ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on distance from existing infrastructure. By lowering financial barriers, the bill could expand natural gas access to underserved areas while also potentially increasing utility revenue through new customer acquisition.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Questions about who ultimately bears the expense—whether it shifts costs to existing customers through rate increases or is subsidized by the utility or state
  • Environmental policy tension: Natural gas expansion conflicts with Maryland's climate commitments to reduce fossil fuel dependence and transition toward renewable energy
  • Equity concerns: Whether discounts and payment plans are designed equitably or primarily benefit certain customer classes (residential vs. commercial, higher vs. lower-income areas)

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

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