image description

Maryland PSC Reviewing Electric Distribution

September 26th, 2016 by WCBC Radio

The Maryland Public Service Commission has initiated a proceeding to launch a targeted review of electric distribution systems in Maryland to ensure that they are customer-centered, affordable, reliable and environmentally sustainable. This proceeding builds on two Commission technical conferences held in the past year that examined rate-related issues affecting the deployment of distributed energy resources (such as solar) and electric vehicles. It also follows up on a condition of the Commission’s May 2015 approval of the merger of Exelon and Pepco Holdings, Inc. (PHI), which required PHI to file a plan for transforming its distribution system and fund up to $500,000 to retain a consultant to the Commission on the matter.  

The proceeding will consider specific opportunities to transform Maryland’s electric distribution systems. Key topics of exploration will include:

·         Enhancing Rate Design options, particularly for electric vehicles

·         Calculating Benefits and Costs of Distributed Energy Resources, including solar energy

·         Maximizing Advanced Metering Infrastructure (Smart Meters) benefits

·         Valuing Energy Storage properly

·         Streamlining the Interconnection Process for distributed energy resources

·         Evaluating Distribution System Planning

·         Protecting Limited-Income Marylanders

“The Commission’s recent technical conferences, PHI’s filing and initiatives of state regulators across the country on similar issues demonstrate that Marylanders could benefit from a targeted review of key aspects of Maryland’s electric distribution systems,” said W. Kevin Hughes, PSC Chairman. “Some of our goals with this public conference include exploring issues that will maximize benefits and choice to Maryland electric customers and, in particular, assess how the evolving electric grid impacts low and moderate income ratepayers.”

In convening Public Conference 44, the Commission invites all interested stakeholders to participate and submit comments by Friday, October 28, 2016 on the issues and also on a suggested timeline and format for the public conference.

Comments can be e-filed using the Commission’s e-file system at www.psc.state.md.us/efile/ Please be sure to reference PC44 with all comments.

Comments may also be sent by mail to:

David J. Collins, Executive Secretary

Maryland Public Service Commission

William Donald Schaefer Tower

6 St. Paul Street

Baltimore, MD 21202

After reviewing the public comments, the Commission will publish an agenda for the first public meeting, which will be held in early December. 

Leave a Reply