MD HB897

Electric companies operating transmission lines over 69,000 volts in Maryland must participate as members in a regional transmission organization

Creates a Solar and Energy Storage Market Stabilization Program in the Maryland Energy Administration to provide low-interest loans, zero-interest loans, or grants to clean energy projects facing financial uncertainty due to loss of federal tax incentives, with program criteria to be published by December 1, 2026

Requires transmission utilities to submit advanced transmission technology implementation reports to the Public Service Commission by July 1, 2027, and every 3 years thereafter, evaluating potential use of grid-enhancing technologies and high-performance conductors

Authorizes up to $100 million from the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund to be refunded or credited to residential distribution customers as a one-time "legislative energy relief refund" before October 31, 2026

Directs the Department of Transportation to develop processes for siting electric transmission lines and battery storage systems within existing highway rights-of-way, including conducting a study and adopting regulations by December 1, 2027