Maryland2026Active
HB0040
Rules for New High-Voltage Power Lines and Advanced Technology
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 4:24 AM
In one sentence
This law updates the definition of special power lines to include advanced technologies, requires companies building new high-voltage overhead lines to provide specific details in their applications, and asks the Public Service Commission to review certain evidence before approving these projects.
What it does
- Updates the legal definition of a 'qualified generator lead line' to include associated advanced transmission technologies that support carrying electricity over 69,000 volts from out-of-state renewable sources.
- Requires applicants seeking permission to build new overhead transmission lines to include specific information in their official applications.
- Mandates the Public Service Commission to consider certain evidence before making a final decision on applications for high-voltage power line construction.
- Defines 'advanced transmission technologies' as grid-enhancing tools, high-performance conductors, or energy storage used specifically for transmission purposes.
Who it affects
- Electric companies and other entities seeking to build overhead transmission lines carrying more than 69,000 volts.
- The Maryland Public Service Commission, which must review applications and evidence before issuing certificates of public convenience and necessity.
- Owners or operators of existing overhead transmission lines who are required to submit certain reports.
Limits and unknowns
- The provided text cuts off before listing the specific types of evidence applicants must include in their applications.
- The full details regarding the reports that transmission line owners or operators must submit are not included in this excerpt.
- This summary is based on a partial bill text and does not contain every section of the final law.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Advanced Transmission Technologies
- Grid-enhancing technologies, high-performance conductors, or energy storage used as transmission.
- Qualified Generator Lead Line
- An overhead transmission line and any associated advanced technology designed to carry or support carrying over 69,000 volts from out-of-state renewable sources into Maryland's electric system.
- High Performance Conductors
- Conductors like carbon fiber or superconductors that have similar size and weight to traditional wires but can carry at least 75% more energy with lower electrical resistance.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Altering the definition of "qualified generator lead line" for provisions of law regarding certificates of public convenience and necessity; requiring an applicant for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction of an overhead transmission line to include certain information in its application; requiring the Public Service Commission to consider certain evidence before taking action on a certain application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity; etc.
Official activity
Bill history
- In the House - Hearing 2/03 at 2:00 p.m.