Maryland Public Service Commission initiates distribution systems proceeding

The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) announced on Monday that it is launching a proceeding to review electric distribution systems in the state, drawing on insight gained from recent data from technical conferences.

The proceeding will be conducted to ensure that distribution systems in Maryland continue to be customer-centered, affordable, reliable and environmentally sustainable, examining the details of opportunities to further improve systems in the state.

“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,” PSC Chair W. Kevin Hughes said. “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.”

Specific items under consideration in the proceedings include rate design, benefits, and costs of distributed energy resources; advanced metering infrastructure; distribution system planning; protections for low-income residents; and energy storage.

The commission has invited all interested stakeholders to submit comments by Oct. 28, which will be reviewed and considered in the creation of the agenda for the first public meeting.