Clean Energy is Maryland’s Power Play

Maryland’s Path to Reliable, Affordable Power

Maryland LCV is committed to advancing clean energy solutions that increase grid reliability and decrease ratepayer impacts. Maryland is at a key energy crossroads between increased demand from high energy using industries and rising electricity rates. As federal energy policy remains uncertain, Maryland has the opportunity to advance a clean energy economy that saves Marylanders money in the years ahead, while improving air and water quality to protect the health of everyone in Maryland. 

Maryland LCV supports clean energy solutions that address grid reliability and ratepayer impacts while achieving the state’s commitment to a clean energy future.

After the most recent electricity capacity auction at our regional grid operator, PJM, resulted in an 800% increase in system-wide prices, Governors of PJM states, including Governor Moore, appealed to PJM and negotiated a rate cap on capacity charges for the next two years. This two-year price cap on capacity charges will offer some protections to ratepayers while allowing states to address critical energy challenges. We must use this time to chart the path forward for sensible economic choices that keep the lights on and the air clean. 

Next steps to help meet Maryland’s energy needs:

  • Immediately invest Maryland’s expertise in developing a statewide, long-term  resource adequacy plan that ensures grid reliability, lessens impacts to ratepayers, and maximizes energy from non-carbon emitting sources
  • Urge PJM to release the interconnection queue freeze and expedite renewable energy projects in the queue, specifically Maryland based solar and storage projects.  
  • Take immediate actions to create procurement mechanisms for 1750 MW of transmission- and distribution-connected energy storage, incorporating fair labor provisions, ratepayer protections, and community engagement in location decisions
  • Expedite the PSC process for proposed solar projects and other non carbon emitting sources of energy

LCV strongly opposes actions that would permit new or expanding energy production from fossil fuel plants. Gas facilities are burdensome to our environment, and saddle ratepayers with costly infrastructure investments that take decades to pay off, driving up their already skyrocketing energy bills. 

Clean energy paired with battery storage have lower operating costs and more competitive markets, which means they will provide clean energy while lowering our energy bills in the years ahead. 

Maryland has already invested $800 M of ratepayer dollars in transmission upgrades to ensure grid reliability as we transition away from fossil fuels. Combined with proposed legislation to expand battery storage and solar capacity, these investments create a clear path toward a reliable, clean energy future. 

Governor Moore and the General Assembly made a commitment to Maryland when they set new clean energy targets. This is not the time to reverse course toward polluting practices of the past, but a time to take actions to achieve a clean energy economy that creates a healthy environment for everyone in Maryland.