Energy Policy Watch: Maryland Utility RELIEF Act (HB 1532)
- May 14
- 1 min read
On May 12, 2026, Maryland enacted the Utility RELIEF Act (HB 1532), introducing significant changes affecting large electricity users, net metering, grid planning, and utility regulation. As electricity demand continues to grow across the PJM region, the legislation establishes new requirements that will influence utility planning, cost recovery, and customer participation.
Below is a snapshot of select key provisions.
Large Load Customers & Data Centers
Rate schedule threshold: Reduced from 100 MW to 25 MW.
Load factor requirement: Reduced from 80% to 60%.
Large-load tariffs: Requires utilities to establish large-load-specific tariffs by
September 1, 2026.
Net Metering
Current program: Closes upon reaching 3 GW or July 1, 2027, whichever comes first.
Successor framework: The PSC must approve a successor framework by February 1, 2027.
New program: Begins July 1, 2027, with a combined 6 GW cap across NEM 1.0 and NEM 2.0.
Grid & Transmission
Requires evaluation of grid-enhancing technologies.
Begins transmission congestion reporting on December 1, 2026, with updates every four years.
Requires RTO participation for transmission owners and operators above 69 kV.
Rate & Utility Reform
Tightens eligibility requirements for multi-year rate plan (MYRP) approval.
Authorizes the PSC to require reconciliation procedures in MYRPs.
Establishes a one-year moratorium on forecast test years through April 2027.
The Utility RELIEF Act establishes new requirements affecting large-load customers, net metering, grid planning, and utility regulation. As implementation progresses, upcoming PSC proceedings and implementation milestones will determine how these provisions are applied in practice. Utilities, project developers, large energy users, and other stakeholders should continue to monitor these developments as Maryland's regulatory framework evolves.
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