MD HB1253

Repeals Section 4-210 of Maryland Public Utilities law, which allowed gas companies to file infrastructure replacement plans with the Public Service Commission and recover costs through a fixed monthly surcharge (capped at $2/month for residential customers)

Prohibits the Commission from allowing gas companies or combination gas and electric companies to recover gas infrastructure replacement costs using alternative forms of regulation, including multiyear rate plans, beginning October 1, 2026

Requires investor-owned gas companies to analyze all available options to defer, reduce, or eliminate infrastructure needs (removing the previous "cost-effective" limitation), including nonpipeline alternatives and leak detection/repair

Mandates at least 2 years' advance notice to affected customers before construction on planned gas infrastructure investments where nonpipeline alternatives are deemed not feasible, with initial notification plus at least two subsequent notifications

Takes effect October 1, 2026, and preserves existing obligations and contract rights from impairment