Maryland2026Active
HB0054
Task Force to Study Restructuring Maryland's Electric Utility Industry
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 4:24 AM
In one sentence
This law creates a task force to study options for changing how electric utilities work in Maryland, compare costs with other states, and report its findings by November 1, 2027.
What it does
- The bill establishes the Task Force to Study Restructuring Maryland's Electric Utility Industry.
- The task force must study options for restructuring the industry, such as publicly owned utilities, cooperatives, and public utility districts.
- It will examine alternative models used in other states like Nebraska, Washington, and Oregon.
- The group must compare electricity rates between those states and Maryland.
- The task force will analyze infrastructure investments made by public versus private electric companies.
- It must look at the legal implications of transferring privately owned assets to public ownership, including through eminent domain.
- The group will evaluate options for energy market participation, such as leaving PJM Interconnection.
- The task force must estimate potential costs and benefits for Maryland residents if changes are made.
- It must identify ways for the public to review or approve proposed structural changes.
Who it affects
- Maryland ratepayers who pay electric bills
- Electric companies including Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, Constellation Energy Corporation, Potomac Electric Power Company, Potomac Edison, Delmarva Power, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Choptank Electric Cooperative, PJM Interconnection LLC, Easton Utilities Commission, Berlin Electric Utility, Thurmont Municipal Light Company, Hagerstown Light Department, Williamsport Municipal Electric Light System
- State agencies including the Public Service Commission, Secretary of Environment, Secretary of Transportation, Director of Maryland Energy Administration, and People's Counsel
Limits and unknowns
- Task Force members do not receive pay but can get travel expense reimbursement.
- This law ends on June 30, 2028 unless renewed by the General Assembly.
- The final report with recommendations is due to the General Assembly by November 1, 2027.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Ratepayer
- A person or business that pays for electricity services.
- Eminent Domain
- The legal power of the government to take private property, such as electric company assets, for public use with payment.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Establishing the Task Force to Study Restructuring Maryland's Electric Utility Industry to study and make recommendations on restructuring the State's electric utility industry; and requiring the Task Force to report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly on or before November 1, 2027.
Official activity
Bill history
- In the House - Hearing 2/03 at 2:00 p.m.