MD SB483

Expands circumstances requiring the Public Service Commission to examine alternatives before constructing new transmission lines in a service area

Requires alternatives review when an alternative is convenient to the service area, promotes economic and efficient public service, maintains historical/environmental/agricultural preservation areas, or avoids overlap with planned growth areas or residential/mixed-use zoned land

Defines alternatives to include: using another company's existing transmission line, using existing rights-of-way, reconductoring existing lines, and undergrounding transmission lines

Removes requirement that the Commission consider whether a company owns a franchise in the service area when evaluating alternatives

Takes effect October 1, 2025