MD SB386

Electric companies owning or operating transmission lines exceeding 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/zero-interest loans and grants to clean energy projects facing financial uncertainty due to loss of federal tax incentives, with 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 deployment 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 "legislative energy relief refund" before October 31, 2026, and up to $10 million for a study on siting electric lines and battery storage in existing highway rights-of-way.

Requires the Public Service Commission to approve or deny certificates of public convenience and necessity within 180 days for projects replacing conductors or installing advanced transmission technologies on existing lines.