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HB 1476

Public Service Commission - Net Energy Metering - Successor Program

2026 Regular Session

Maryland directs Public Service Commission to design successor net energy metering program for distributed solar and renewable energy customer compensation.

Hearing 3/03 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1476

Legislative bill overview

HB 1476 directs Maryland's Public Service Commission to establish a successor program to the current net energy metering (NEM) framework, which allows customers with solar panels and other distributed energy resources to receive credits for excess electricity they feed back to the grid. The bill appears designed to create a new compensation mechanism as the existing NEM program phases out or requires updating. The specific details of what the successor program must include are not provided in the action summary.

Why is this important

Net energy metering is a critical policy tool that affects residential and commercial solar adoption rates and costs. How Maryland structures compensation for rooftop solar directly impacts whether homeowners and businesses find solar installation economically viable. This legislative action signals that policymakers recognize the current framework needs revision, but the outcome will significantly influence clean energy investment and grid modernization.

Potential points of contention

  • Solar industry vs. utility interests: Solar companies and environmental advocates may want generous successor terms to maintain investment incentives, while utilities may argue current NEM rates are too generous and shift grid costs to non-solar customers
  • Cost allocation concerns: Debate over whether solar customers should receive retail rates, wholesale rates, or some hybrid model for excess generation, affecting both participating and non-participating ratepayers
  • Program timeline and grandfathering: Uncertainty about whether existing solar customers keep current NEM terms or transition to new rules, creating investment risk and potential unfairness

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

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