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HB 1079

Public Service Commission - Study on the Electric Transmission and Distribution System

2025 Regular Session Introduced by David Fraser-Hidalgo and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1079 requires Maryland's Public Service Commission to study the state's electric transmission and distribution infrastructure, identifying upgrade needs and modernization costs.

Hearing 3/11 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · HB 1079

Legislative bill overview

HB 1079 directs Maryland's Public Service Commission (PSC) to conduct a comprehensive study of the state's electric transmission and distribution system. The study would examine current infrastructure conditions, capacity, reliability, modernization needs, and costs associated with upgrading the system to meet future energy demands and grid resilience requirements.

Why is this important

Maryland's electric grid infrastructure is aging and faces increasing pressure from electrification demands, renewable energy integration, and climate-related weather events. A systematic study could identify critical vulnerabilities and inform future investment decisions that affect electricity rates, reliability, and the state's ability to transition to clean energy sources.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost responsibility: Whether ratepayers, the state budget, or utilities should fund the study and resulting infrastructure upgrades
  • Timeline and action: Whether the study merely produces recommendations or mandates specific PSC actions and investments with defined timelines
  • Scope of modernization: Disagreement over whether upgrades should prioritize renewable energy integration, resilience to extreme weather, urban versus rural infrastructure, or reducing transmission losses

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

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