MD HB723

Electric companies must submit cost containment plans to the Public Service Commission by January 1, 2027, and every 3 years thereafter, detailing strategies to avoid or minimize capital expenditures on distribution and transmission systems.

Plans must achieve at least a 20% reduction in peak electric system load from 2025 levels by 2030.

Required plan elements include nonwires solutions, grid-enhancing technologies, demand flexibility programs, virtual power plants, automated load management, and coordination with PJM regional transmission planning.

The Commission must approve, conditionally approve, or deny plans based on whether they meet requirements and produce demonstrable cost savings under the unified benefit cost analysis framework.

Electric companies failing to meet the 20% peak load reduction goal may face fines, reduced return on equity, or denial of cost recovery for plan implementation.