Maryland PSC Chairman Hughes disappointed with Supreme Court ruling
Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Kevin Hughes recently expressed disappointment regarding the Supreme Court’s Hughes v Talen Energy Marketing ruling that condemned the PSC for offering subsidies not approved by the federal government.
The ruling condemned and shut down a statewide Maryland program that subsidized the construction and development of new energy facilities in the state. The Supreme Court ruled that the decision interfered with federal jurisdiction to regulate wholesale energy prices throughout the country.
Hughes said that the Maryland PSC will attempt to rethink its statewide energy programs to better fit within federal legislation following the ruling.
“While the Maryland Commission is, of course, disappointed that the Court found the form of our arrangement was impermissible, we are pleased the decision reaffirms the right of states to procure new generation,” Hughes said. “We think the Court’s opinion provides some clarity for how states can encourage new, clean, and renewable generation going forward.”
The Maryland Public Service Commission regulates energy throughout the state of Maryland. PSC responsibilities include the regulation of gas and electric utilities, landline telephone providers, water and sewage providers, passenger motor vehicle carriers for hire, taxicab companies, and bay pilot rates.
