Less than a month remains before state agencies must submit a Climate Implementation plan to the governor’s office, according to an executive order signed in June. This comes amid changes to Maryland’s energy sector, including seven pieces of legislation that went into effect on Tuesday.
The order mandates that all state agencies must address and present near-term measures combatting climate change by Nov. 1. These measures include proposing zero-emission heating equipment, expansion of the thermal energy system and a framework for clean electricity by 2035.
This rapid-response intends to advance Maryland’s Climate Pollution Reduction Plan, moving the state to the forefront of clean energy measures.
Recent legislation
In tandem with these sweeping changes, several environment-related bills went into effect at the beginning of the month:
- Gas stations must now list the credit and debit prices of gas if they differ.
- Cement manufacturing is no longer exempt from greenhouse gas emission regulations.
- The membership of the Commission on Climate Change has been expanded to better advise the governor’s office. The new roles are the Secretary of Emergency Management and the Chair of the Public Service Commission.
- Investor-owned electric companies must now transition all customers to a time-of-use tariff by Sept. 1, 2028. This intends to not just reduce emissions, but save customers money.
- Condominiums now have standards for the installation and use of electric vehicle recharging equipment.
- Additionally, condominiums must now grant a lease for the installation and use of leased clean energy equipment. This also includes solar energy and energy storage.
- The Public Service Commission must now adopt regulations that require electric companies to apply for funds in a timely manner. Also, the PSC must require quarterly reports from all electric companies relating to the use of federal funds.
Predicted energy bill increases
Despite lawmakers passing legislation to address Maryland’s rapidly increasing energy sector, problems still remain. Customers could see their electricity bills increase by as much as 24% in 2025, according to Synapse Energy Economics.
The results from regional grid operator PJM Interconnection’s recent capacity auction will cause electricity bills to rise across the state, including Montgomery County, whose electricity is supplied by Pepco, BG&E and Potomac Edison. According to the report, Pepco zones will see bills increase by 10%.
This ultimately stems from several reasons, including the increasing energy demands, an outdated infrastructure, the closure of power plants and green energy projects.
PJM has attempted to alleviate the situation by proposing a new transmission project that will cut through the state from one of Pennsylvania’s nuclear plants. However, landowners in Baltimore, Fredrick and Carroll County have argued that the 70-mile transmission line will ruin their properties.
Potential green energy solutions
The Biden-Harris administration’s Offshore Wind Project may be the solution to Maryland’s growing energy dilemma. Besides contributing to the nation’s green energy usage, the new infrastructure is projected to provide 2 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity. This will reportedly power more than 700,000 homes in the state.
Additionally, the focus on green energy sources has reopened discussions surrounding nuclear energy, despite its contentious reputation. The Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant, which opened in the 70s, provides more than 80% of clean energy produced in Maryland. With agencies attempting to quickly meet the demands of the Climate Pollution Reduction Plan, some state officials, including the director of the Maryland Energy Administration Paul Pinsky, think that nuclear is back on the table.
