MD HB1079

Public Service Commission must conduct a study on Maryland's electric transmission and distribution systems to assess grid-enhancing technologies and advanced conductors while ensuring reliability and cybersecurity

Study must identify current and future inadequacies in the transmission system, along with alternatives to building new transmission lines such as dynamic line rating, power flow controllers, and topology optimization

Study must evaluate investments needed to modernize the grid through enhanced reliability, improved cyber/physical security, and technologies including two-way meters, energy storage, microgrids, and demand response

Public input, local government roles, and stakeholder involvement must be summarized, along with economic, environmental, and social issues for each identified alternative

Report due to the Governor and relevant legislative committees by January 1, 2026; act takes effect October 1, 2025