Credit: Fluence
Environmental and consumer advocates are asking the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to lower Marylanders’ electricity bills by rapidly acquiring new, low-cost clean energy and storage as authorized by the Next Generation Energy Act, which the legislature passed with bipartisan support and was signed into law by Gov. Wes Moore in April.
The Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club, the Center for Progressive Reform, Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Earthjustice, Elders Climate Action Maryland, Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center, Maryland League of Conservation Voters and Maryland PIRG Foundation sent a letter encouraging the PSC to move quickly to acquire storage and to prioritize storage connected to solar energy projects.
“The Next Generation Energy Act wisely requires the state to expand energy storage capacity and renewable buildout and we encourage the legislature, Gov. Moore and Maryland Public Service Commission to move quickly to deploy clean energy to drive down rising electricity prices,” said Josh Tulkin, director of the Maryland Chapter of the Sierra Club.
Energy storage captures energy produced in excess of the electric grid’s immediate needs for later use. It helps utilities meet peak demand, potentially replacing expensive and polluting “peaker plants.” When paired with solar power and other clean energy, energy storage allows the grid to maximize clean energy potential and reduce pollution from fossil fuel power plants.
The Next Generation Energy Act requires the PSC to solicit proposals for up to 1,600 MW of energy storage capacity, with an initial proposal deadline of January 1, 2026. In comparison, the Brandon Shores coal-fired power plant outside of Baltimore has a generating capacity of 1,289 MW.
Approving clean energy and storage projects ahead of the January deadline will enable Maryland to benefit from expiring federal tax credits and help drive electricity prices down. In light of expiring tax credits, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine and Oregon have moved to expedite similar processes and Maryland advocates are calling for the state to follow suit.
“Pairing battery storage with solar power is a win-win for energy customers and the planet,” said Brittany Baker, Maryland director for Chesapeake Climate Action Network. “This technology is the best way to move forward in the clean energy transition and reduce peak load demands on the grid.”
News item from Clean Energy For Maryland
