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SB 201

Public Utilities - Transmission Lines - Advanced Transmission Technologies

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ben Brooks and 2 co-sponsors

SB 201 permits Maryland's utility regulator to approve advanced transmission technologies that increase grid capacity, potentially accelerating renewable energy integration and reducing infrastructure expansion costs.

Hearing 2/19 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 201

Legislative bill overview

SB 201 would authorize Maryland's Public Service Commission to approve and regulate advanced transmission technologies for electric power distribution. These technologies include high-temperature superconducting cables, dynamic line rating systems, and other innovative infrastructure upgrades designed to increase transmission capacity and efficiency without requiring traditional large-scale infrastructure expansion.

Why is this important

As electricity demand grows and renewable energy integration increases, transmission bottlenecks can limit grid reliability and slow clean energy deployment. Advanced transmission technologies offer potential solutions to expand capacity more quickly and cost-effectively than conventional methods, which typically require years of permitting and construction.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Who bears the expenses of pilot programs and technology deployment—utilities, ratepayers, or government subsidies—and whether costs are justified by benefits
  • Unproven reliability: These technologies lack extensive real-world track records in Maryland's climate and grid conditions, raising questions about performance guarantees and failure protocols
  • Regulatory uncertainty: The bill's language on PSC approval standards and utility liability for advanced technology failures may create ambiguity about responsibility if systems underperform or malfunction

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

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