reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 6 - Business Structure › Subtitle 2 - Reporting Requirements › Section 6-210 - Annual Report -- Debt Holdings

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a public service company shall describe in its annual report each long-term debt of the public service company exceeding $1,000,000, including:
(i)    the name and address of the creditor;
(ii)    the character of the debt;
(iii)    the nature of any security;
(iv)    the date of origin of the debt;
(v)    the date of maturity of the debt;
(vi)    the total amount of the debt;
(vii)    the rate of interest; and
(viii)    the total amount of interest to be paid.
(2)    If the long-term debt is in the form of bonds, debentures, or other widely held debt, the public service company shall list the name and address of the trustee, if available, in place of the name and address of the creditor.
(b)    In its annual report, a public service company shall:
(1)    except for the accounts payable of the public service company, describe each short–term debt, including:
(i)    the name and address of the creditor;
(ii)    the character of the debt;
(iii)    the period of the debt;
(iv)    the rate of interest;
(v)    the total amount of the debt;
(vi)    the nature of any security; and
(vii)    the date the debt was paid or shall be paid;
(2)    describe, if involving aggregate payments exceeding $1,000,000, each financing lease, equipment trust, conditional sales contract, or major liability related to the capital assets of the public service company; and
(3)    provide a copy of any restrictive covenant attached to the debt described in item (1) or (2) of this subsection.
(c)    In its annual report, a public service company shall, if available:
(1)    list the name and address of each holder of more than 5% of each issue reported under this section; and
(2)    identify the holder as a bank, broker, holding company, individual, or other person.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 6 - Business Structure › Subtitle 3 - Acquisition of Water Companies and Sewage Disposal Companies › Section 6-301 - Definitions

(a)    In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
(b)    “Acquiring entity” means:
(1)    a water company or a sewage company that is acquiring a selling utility as the result of a voluntary arm’s length transaction between the buyer and seller; or
(2)    another person that:
(i)    is acquiring a selling utility as the result of a voluntary arm’s length transaction between the buyer and seller; and
(ii)    has applied to the Commission, directly or through an affiliate, for authority to operate as a public service company in the State.
(c)    “Affiliate” has the meaning stated in § 7–501 of this article.
(d)    “Construction allowance” means an accounting practice that recognizes the capital costs, including debt and equity funds that are used to finance the construction costs of an improvement to a selling utility’s assets by an acquiring entity.
(e)    “Fair market value” means the average of the two utility valuation expert appraisals conducted under § 6–304 of this subtitle.
(f)    “Selling utility” means a water company or a sewage disposal company or any other water service or sewage disposal service provider in the State, including any State, county, or municipal water service provider or sewage disposal service provider that is being purchased by an acquiring entity as the result of a voluntary arm’s length transaction between the buyer and seller.
(g)    “Utility valuation expert” or “expert” means a person hired by an acquiring public utility and selling utility for the purpose of conducting an economic valuation of the selling utility to determine its fair market value.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 6 - Business Structure › Subtitle 3 - Acquisition of Water Companies and Sewage Disposal Companies › Section 6-303 - Acquisition of Controlling Interest in Not-for-Profit Water or Sewage Disposal Service

(a)    Without prior authorization of the Commission, a person may not acquire a controlling interest in any State, county, municipal, or similar not–for–profit water service or sewage disposal service provider, for the purpose of converting the provider into a water company or sewage disposal company.
(b)    The Commission may authorize an acquisition under subsection (a) of this section if the Commission finds that the acquisition is consistent with the public convenience and necessity.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 6 - Business Structure › Subtitle 3 - Acquisition of Water Companies and Sewage Disposal Companies › Section 6-304 - Determining Fair Market Value of the Selling Utility

(a)    On agreement by both the acquiring entity and the selling utility, the fair market value of the selling utility shall be determined in accordance with this section.
(b)    The acquiring entity and the selling utility shall each be responsible for hiring a utility valuation expert to conduct an appraisal of the selling utility to determine the fair market value of the selling utility.
(c)    Each utility valuation appraisal shall be completed in accordance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice.
(d)    (1)    The acquiring entity and the selling utility shall engage the services of the same licensed engineer to conduct an assessment of the tangible assets of the selling utility.
(2)    The assessment shall be incorporated into the appraisals under subsection (c) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 6 - Business Structure › Subtitle 3 - Acquisition of Water Companies and Sewage Disposal Companies › Section 6-305 - Restrictions on Utility Valuation Expert

A utility valuation expert may not:
(1)    derive any material financial benefit from the sale of the selling utility other than fees for services rendered; or
(2)    be an immediate family member of a director, an officer, or an employee of either the acquiring entity or the selling utility within 12 months before the date of hiring to perform an appraisal under this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 6 - Business Structure › Subtitle 3 - Acquisition of Water Companies and Sewage Disposal Companies › Section 6-306 - Rate Making Rate Base

(a)    (1)    Reasonable transaction and closing costs incurred by the acquiring entity shall be included in the rate making rate base of the acquiring entity.
(2)    Fees paid to utility valuation experts may be included in the transaction and closing costs associated with acquisition by the acquiring entity.
(3)    Unless the Commission finds just cause to authorize additional fees, fees eligible for inclusion may not exceed 5% of the fair market value of the selling utility or $50,000 if the actual fees paid exceed 5% of the fair market value.
(b)    As of the closing date of the acquisition, the rate making rate base of the selling utility, including additions under subsection (a) of this section, shall be the lesser of:
(1)    the purchase price negotiated by the acquiring entity and selling utility; or
(2)    the fair market value of the selling utility.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 6 - Business Structure › Subtitle 3 - Acquisition of Water Companies and Sewage Disposal Companies › Section 6-307 - Application for Commission Approval of Acquisition

(a)    If an acquiring entity and the selling utility agree to use the process outlined in § 6–304 of this subtitle, the acquiring entity shall include in its application for Commission approval of the acquisition:
(1)    copies of the two appraisals performed by the utility valuation experts under § 6–304 of this subtitle;
(2)    the purchase price of the selling utility as agreed to by the acquiring entity and the selling utility;
(3)    the rate making rate base of the selling utility determined in accordance with this subtitle;
(4)    the transaction and closing costs incurred by the acquiring entity that will be included in its rate base; and
(5)    a tariff containing a schedule of rates, service charges, and any additional fees to be incurred by the customers of the selling utility at or immediately after the closing date of acquisition.
(b)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Commission shall issue a final order on an application submitted under this subtitle within 180 days after the filing date of a complete application under subsection (a) of this section.
(2)    The Commission may extend a proceeding under this subtitle for an additional 30 days if the Commission finds that the proceedings cannot be completed within the initial suspension period.
(3)    After the expiration of 180 days under paragraph (1) of this subsection and any extension under paragraph (2) of this subsection, if the Commission has not entered a final order, the application shall be deemed approved.
(c)    If the Commission issues an order approving the application for acquisition, the order shall include:
(1)    the rate making rate base of the selling utility, as determined under this subtitle; and
(2)    any conditions of approval that the Commission requires.
(d)    The tariff submitted under subsection (a)(5) of this section shall remain in effect until new rates are approved for the acquiring entity in a base rate case proceeding.
(e)    An appraisal conducted under this subtitle is presumed to be valid unless substantial evidence demonstrates a failure to adhere to the requirements of § 6–304 or § 6–305 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 6 - Business Structure › Subtitle 3 - Acquisition of Water Companies and Sewage Disposal Companies › Section 6-308 - Improvements

(a)    The cost of an improvement that an acquiring entity places in service after the acquisition shall accrue a construction allowance after the date the cost was incurred until the earlier of:
(1)    3 years after the improvement is placed in service; or
(2)    the date the improvement is included in the acquiring entity’s next base rate case.
(b)    Depreciation on an acquiring entity’s improvements after the acquisition shall be deferred for book and rate making purposes.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 7-102 - Gas Companies -- Powers

(a)    A gas company incorporated in Maryland may:
(1)    manufacture artificial gas;
(2)    sell or furnish any quantity of natural gas or artificial gas that may be required in any municipal corporation or county of the State;
(3)    lay pipe under the roadways or other public ways of any county or municipal corporation of the State to transmit natural gas or artificial gas; and
(4)    connect the pipe from the place of supply to any structure or object.
(b)    (1)    A gas company must have the consent of the governing body of the municipal corporation or county before laying any gas pipe in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.
(2)    The governing body of the municipal corporation or county may adopt reasonable regulations and conditions for the laying of a gas pipe, including regulations requiring the gas company to refill and repave any roadway or other public way under which the pipe is laid.
(c)    A gas company, whether incorporated in Maryland or another state, that is authorized by a governing body of a municipal corporation or county to lay or maintain pipe or other structures in a roadway or other public way or place shall obtain consent from the Commission before using the pipe or other structure to transmit and supply natural gas, artificial gas, or a mixture of natural gas and artificial gas.
(d)    This section does not:
(1)    extend the duration of a franchise granted by the governing body of a municipal corporation or county; or
(2)    except as provided in this section, change the terms or conditions of the franchise.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 7-103 - Electric Companies -- Powers

(a)    An electric company incorporated in Maryland may:
(1)    manufacture, sell, and furnish electric power in any municipal corporation or county of the State;
(2)    construct a power line to transmit power under, along, on, or over the roadways or public ways of any municipal corporation or county of the State; and
(3)    connect the power line from the place of supply to any other structure or object.
(b)    (1)    An electric company must have the consent of the governing body of the municipal corporation or county before laying or constructing any power line in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.
(2)    The governing body of the municipal corporation or county may adopt reasonable regulations and conditions for the laying of a power line, including regulations requiring the electric company to refill and repave any roadway or public way under which the power line is laid.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 7-105 - Water Companies -- Powers

(a)    A water company incorporated in the State has the powers necessary for the purposes for which it is incorporated and may:
(1)    acquire, possess, and use land, water rights, and other property for those purposes; and
(2)    lay pipes and construct works necessary or suitable to carry out its purposes.
(b)    (1)    A water company shall obtain the consent of the governing body of the municipal corporation or county before laying pipes or constructing waterworks in that jurisdiction under subsection (a) of this section.
(2)    The governing body of the municipal corporation or county may adopt reasonable regulations for the laying of pipes, construction of works, and operations of a water company.
(c)    This section does not authorize the incorporation of a water company to operate in Baltimore City.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 2 - Electric Generation Facility Planning › Section 7-201 - Electric Companies -- Long-Range Plans

(a)    (1)    Annually, the Chairman of the Commission shall forward to the Secretary of Natural Resources a 10-year plan listing possible and proposed sites, including the associated transmission routes, for the construction of electric plants within the State.
(2)    (i)    The Chairman shall delete from the 10-year plan any site that the Secretary of Natural Resources identifies as unsuitable in accordance with the requirements of § 3-304 of the Natural Resources Article.
(ii)    The Chairman may include a site deleted from a 10-year plan under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph in a subsequent 10-year plan.
(3)    The Chairman shall include information in the annual 10-year plan on current and projected efforts by electric companies and the Commission to moderate overall electrical generation demand and peak demand through the electric companies’ promotion of energy conservation by customers and through the electric companies’ use of alternative energy sources, including cogeneration.
(4)    To the extent that the Commission requires an electric company to report the information described in paragraph (3) of this subsection, a small rural electric cooperative described in § 7-502(a) of this title may satisfy the requirement by submitting to the Commission a copy of the power requirement study that the small rural electric cooperative submits to the rural utilities service.
(b)    (1)    The Commission shall evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the investments by electric companies in energy conservation to reduce electrical demand and in renewable energy sources to help meet electrical demand.
(2)    The evaluation of investments shall include:
(i)    the electric companies’ promotion and conduct of a building audit and weatherization program, including low-interest or no-interest electric company financing for the installation of energy conservation materials and renewable energy devices;
(ii)    utilization of renewable energy sources;
(iii)    promotion and utilization of electricity from cogeneration and wastes; and
(iv)    widespread public promotion of energy conservation programs.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 2 - Electric Generation Facility Planning › Section 7-202 - Electric Companies -- Power Plant Sites

(a)    If the Commission determines that a site is needed, the Commission, on its own motion, may request the Secretary of Natural Resources to purchase a power plant site as provided in Title 3, Subtitle 3 of the Natural Resources Article.
(b)    In determining whether a need exists for the State to purchase a power plant site, the Commission shall consider:
(1)    the suitability of sites owned by an electric company, both within and outside the State;
(2)    the anticipated growth of electric power demand and the alternative means and locations for meeting that demand, both within and outside the State; and
(3)    any other factors required by law.
(c)    (1)    The Commission may determine that a power plant site is needed only after the Commission gives public notice and holds a public hearing.
(2)    The hearing shall be held in the legislative district in which the site under consideration is located.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 2 - Electric Generation Facility Planning › Section 7-203 - Electric Companies -- Environmental Surcharge

(a)    (1)    The Commission shall:
(i)    impose an environmental surcharge per kilowatt hour of electricity distributed to retail electric customers within the State; and
(ii)    authorize each electric company to add the full amount of the surcharge to its customers’ bills.
(2)    To the extent that an electric company fails to collect the surcharge from its customers, the amount uncollected shall be deemed a cost of power distribution and allowed and computed as such together with other allowable expenses for purposes of rate making.
(b)    (1)    The Comptroller shall collect the revenue from the surcharge imposed under subsection (a) of this section and place the revenue into a special fund, the Environmental Trust Fund.
(2)    The Comptroller shall maintain the method of collection of the surcharge from each electric company, and the money collected shall accrue to the Fund.
(c)    (1)    Each fiscal year, the Secretary of Natural Resources shall coordinate the preparation of the annual budget required to carry out the provisions of the Power Plant Research Program under Title 3, Subtitle 3 of the Natural Resources Article.
(2)    Each fiscal year, on approval of the annual budget by the General Assembly for the Power Plant Research Program, the Commission shall establish the amount of the environmental surcharge per kilowatt hour of electric energy distributed in the State that is to be imposed on each electric company in accordance with subsection (a) of this section.
(d)    (1)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this subtitle, the amount of the surcharge for each account of each retail electric customer may not exceed the lesser of 0.15 mill per kilowatt hour or $1,000 per month.
(2)    The Department of Natural Resources shall credit against the amount the Commission requires each electric company to pay into the Environmental Trust Fund 0.75% of the total surcharge amount attributed to the electric company on the basis of the amount of the electricity distributed in the State.
(e)    To the extent that the Commission requires an electric company to report the total estimated kilowatt hours of electricity distributed in the State in order to calculate the surcharge under subsection (a)(1) of this section, a small rural electric cooperative described in § 7–502(a) of this title may satisfy the requirement by submitting to the Commission an estimate made in accordance with a formula approved by the Commission from information that the small rural electric cooperative submits to the rural utilities service that includes the required information.
(f)    The surcharge imposed under this subtitle shall terminate on June 30, 2030.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 2 - Electric Generation Facility Planning › Section 7-204 - Electric Companies -- Lines and Transmission Devices

(a)    (1)    Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, at least 30 days before a hearing, a public service company shall provide to each owner of land and each owner of adjacent land, by certified mail, written notice of intent to run a line or similar transmission device over, on, or under the land.
(2)    The public service company shall determine the property owners from the current tax assessment records of the political subdivision in which the property is located.
(b)    Unless the failure is willful or deliberate, the failure of a public service company to provide notice does not invalidate a public hearing or require that another hearing take place.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 2 - Electric Generation Facility Planning › Section 7-205 - Electric Companies -- Modification of Power Plant

(a)    (1)    In this section, “modification” means a physical alteration of, replacement of, or other change to the facilities at a power plant, or a change in the fuel used by the plant, that could result in a change of the air emissions from the plant or from a generating unit of the plant.
(2)    “Modification” does not include:
(i)    routine maintenance or repairs of the facilities of a power plant; or
(ii)    a change that the Commission determines will not result in an increase in air emissions from the plant or from a generating unit of the plant.
(b)    Subject to subsections (c) through (e) of this section, a person may not commence a modification without the prior approval of the Commission under this title.
(c)    (1)    Unless the Commission orders otherwise, an application for a modification to a power plant shall be filed with the Commission at least 180 days before the date on which the modification is to commence.
(2)    The applicant for the modification shall submit to the Commission and to the Department of the Environment all information relating to the modification, including:
(i)    detailed plans and specifications; and
(ii)    the impact of the modification on air quality.
(d)    The Commission shall render its decision within 150 days after the day the application is filed.
(e)    Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a modification to a power plant that involves the short-term inability to obtain the type of fuel normally used by the plant is subject to Title 2, Subtitle 5 of the Environment Article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 2 - Electric Generation Facility Planning › Section 7-206 - Electric Companies -- Clean Air Act Modifications

(a)    This section applies to the installation of pollution control equipment or a change in the method of operation at a generating station that a person performs in order to comply with Phase II pollution control requirements of the federal Clean Air Act.
(b)    Any person that performs an installation or change in operation under subsection (a) of this section shall obtain prior review and approval of the Commission in accordance with:
(1)    §§ 7-203, 7-207, and 7-208 of this subtitle; and
(2)    the procedures set forth in § 7-205 of this subtitle and § 2-405 of the Environment Article.
(c)    In order to meet compliance dates established under Title 2, Subtitle 10 of the Environment Article or the federal Clean Air Act, a Commission review and approval, or processing of an application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity under § 7-207 of this subtitle, shall be expedited and take precedence over other review and approval by the Commission if the review and approval or certificate of public convenience and necessity is required:
(1)    for pollution control equipment or a change in the method of operation at a generating station; and
(2)    for compliance with:
(i)    Title 2, Subtitle 10 of the Environment Article;
(ii)    regulations adopted by the Department of the Environment under Title 2, Subtitle 10 of the Environment Article; or
(iii)    the federal Clean Air Act.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 2 - Electric Generation Facility Planning › Section 7-207.2 - Solar Voltaic Systems

(a)    This section applies to a person who constructs a generating station that:
(1)    has the capacity to produce at least 2 megawatts of electricity from a solar photovoltaic system; and
(2)    is exempted under § 7–207.1 of this subtitle from the requirement to obtain a certificate of public convenience and necessity.
(b)    (1)    A person shall file an application for approval to construct a generating station under § 7–207.1 of this subtitle at least 6 months before construction commences.
(2)    The Commission shall require a person who files an application for approval to construct a generating station to pay a deposit of 1% of total installed costs.
(c)    (1)    The Commission shall place any deposits collected under subsection (b) of this section into an escrow account.
(2)    If a person demonstrates to the Commission that the person is fully authorized to commence construction within 18 months after filing an application for approval, the Commission shall refund the deposit, less reasonable administrative costs.
(3)    (i)    Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, if a person does not commence construction within 18 months after filing an application for approval, the money held in the escrow account shall be:
1.    deemed to be abandoned; and
2.    transferred to the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund under § 9–20B–05 of the State Government Article, less reasonable administrative costs.
(ii)    1.    A person may request an extension for a project that does not commence construction within 18 months after the filing of an application for approval.
2.    The Commission may grant the request based on factors the Commission considers compelling, including the occurrence of events outside the person’s control.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 2 - Electric Generation Facility Planning › Section 7-209 - Alternatives to Construction of Transmission Lines

(a)    The Commission shall examine alternatives to the construction of a new transmission line in a service area, including the use of an existing transmission line of another company, if:
(1)    the existing transmission line is convenient to the service area; or
(2)    the use of the transmission line will best promote economic and efficient service to the public.
(b)    In considering the use of an existing transmission line under subsection (a) of this section, the Commission need not consider whether the company that owns the line has a franchise in a service area.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 2 - Electric Generation Facility Planning › Section 7-210 - Municipal Electric Plants

(a)    This section does not apply to Baltimore City.
(b)    (1)    A municipal corporation may not build, maintain, or operate a plant for supplying gas or electricity for other than municipal purposes unless the municipal corporation has a certificate of authority from the Commission.
(2)    If the Commission denies the certificate of authority, the municipal corporation may not reapply for a certificate until at least 6 months have elapsed from the date that the Commission denied the previous application.
(c)    Subject to subsection (b) of this section, a municipal corporation in the business of supplying electricity for other than municipal purposes may own or finance an interest in an electric plant to secure an entitlement of electricity for its customers.
(d)    If the boundaries of a municipal corporation are enlarged by annexation, the municipal corporation may acquire the exclusive right to supply electricity within the annexed area if:
(1)    the municipal corporation:
(i)    files a petition with the Commission seeking approval to acquire the exclusive right to supply electricity within the annexed area;
(ii)    provides a copy of the petition to each electric company whose service territory or electric plant will be affected by the annexation; and
(iii)    attaches to the petition a copy of the amendment to the municipal corporation charter that describes the area annexed and a description of the service territory, plant, equipment, and customers of each electric company that is likely to be affected by the annexation; and
(2)    the Commission determines that modification of the service territory of an electric company and the transfer of a franchise or right under the franchise is in the public interest.
(e)    (1)    A municipal corporation that acquires the exclusive right under subsection (d) of this section to supply electricity within an area annexed by the municipal corporation may exercise the right of eminent domain to acquire the existing installed facilities of each electric company within the annexed area that are used solely to supply electricity to the annexed area.
(2)    The value of any property taken under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be determined as of the date of the taking.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 2 - Electric Generation Facility Planning › Section 7-212 - Regulations Governing Purchase of Liquid-Immersed Distribution Transformers; Life-Cycle Cost Methodology for Transformers Used for Installation Outside State

(a)    On or before July 1, 2008, the Commission shall adopt regulations governing the purchase of liquid–immersed distribution transformers by electric companies.
(b)    Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the regulations shall be consistent with the regulations adopted by the U.S. Department of Energy.
(c)    (1)    Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, the regulations shall ensure that, subject to availability, purchases of liquid–immersed distribution transformers by electric companies occurring on or after January 1, 2009, are based on the life–cycle cost methodology contained in Section 2 of Standard TP–1–2002 published by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association.
(2)    The regulations adopted under this section may not apply to an electric cooperative that supplies electricity to less than 60,000 electric meters in the State.
(d)    For electric companies that maintain inventories of distribution transformers in the State for installation in adjacent service areas outside of the State, the Commission may also consider additional inventory management costs as costs for inclusion within the life–cycle cost methodology to be used by electric companies for purposes of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 2 - Electric Generation Facility Planning › Section 7-213.1 - Service Restoration -- Special Medical Needs Facilities

(a)    In this section, “special medical needs facility” includes:
(1)    an assisted living facility as defined in § 19–1801 of the Health – General Article;
(2)    a congregate housing services program under Title 10, Subtitle 2 of the Human Services Article;
(3)    a hospice facility as defined in § 19–901 of the Health – General Article;
(4)    a hospital as defined in § 19–301 of the Health – General Article or a similar institution;
(5)    a nursing home as defined in § 19–1401 of the Health – General Article; or
(6)    any other type of facility that the Commission designates in regulation as a special medical needs facility.
(b)    The purpose of this section is to:
(1)    further the service quality and reliability goals under § 7–213 of this subtitle as they relate to special medical needs facilities; and
(2)    encourage the reliable delivery of service to special medical needs facilities.
(c)    The Secretary of Health shall:
(1)    on or before January 1 of each year, establish and provide a list of special medical needs facilities, including the licensed capacity of each facility, to each electric company for its service territory;
(2)    post the list required under item (1) of this subsection on the Web site of the Maryland Department of Health; and
(3)    establish a procedure to allow a special medical needs facility to remove its information from the list established under item (1) of this subsection.
(d)    On or before April 1 of each year, an electric company shall submit to the Commission as part of the electric company’s annual performance report under § 7–213(g) of this subtitle:
(i)    a list of special medical needs facilities that are served by protective devices that activated five or more times during the reporting period, resulting in a power outage;
(ii)    a list of special medical needs facilities that experienced a service interruption that:
1.    exceeded 4 consecutive hours during the reporting period; and
2.    was reported to or was otherwise known to the electric company;
(iii)    a list of special medical needs facilities that are served by the 3% of feeders assigned to an electric company’s service territory in the State that are identified by the electric company as having the poorest reliability during the reporting period; and
(iv)    a description of the electric company’s performance in assessing and acting to remediate, and future plans and proposals to improve, the reliability of feeders and protective devices identified under this subsection.
(e)    This section does not prohibit the Commission from taking the corrective action authorized in § 7–213(f)(2) of this subtitle against an electric company that fails to meet any or all of the applicable standards.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 2 - Electric Generation Facility Planning › Section 7-215 - Sale or Transfer of Solar Electric Generating Facility

(a)    This section applies to a solar electric generating facility located in the State that:
(1)    has the capacity to produce more than 2 megawatts of electricity; and
(2)    is designed to produce electricity for sale on the wholesale market.
(b)    (1)    Not later than 30 days after selling or otherwise transferring ownership of a solar electric generating facility the owner of the facility shall provide notice of the sale or transfer to:
(i)    the county in which the facility is located; and
(ii)    the Commission.
(2)    The notice under this section shall include the name, address, phone number, and e–mail address of the new owner.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 3 - Consumer Relations › Section 7-301 - Meters -- Authorization by Commission

(a)    A person may not furnish or put in use for revenue billing purposes a gas meter or electric meter unless the Commission has authorized the meter’s use.
(b)    (1)    Each gas company and electric company shall maintain suitable equipment, approved by the Commission, for testing the accuracy of a gas meter or electric meter furnished by the company for use by its customers.
(2)    The gas company or electric company shall test a customer’s meter with the equipment in accordance with § 7–302 of this subtitle.
(3)    A small rural electric cooperative described in § 7–502(a) of this title may satisfy this section by demonstrating that the electric meters which it furnishes to customers comply with the standards of the utility regulatory body of the state in which the cooperative has its principal place of business.
(c)    (1)    This subsection applies to:
(i)    a new residential multiple occupancy building;
(ii)    a new shopping center; or
(iii)    a new housing unit that is constructed, managed, operated, developed, or subsidized by a local housing authority established under Division II of the Housing and Community Development Article.
(2)    The service restrictions imposed under this subsection do not apply to central hot water.
(3)    The Commission may not authorize a gas company or electric company to service an occupancy unit or shopping center unit subject to this subsection unless the building or shopping center has individual metered service or submetering as provided under § 7–303 or § 7–304 of this subtitle for each individually leased or owned occupancy unit or shopping center unit.
(4)    In accordance with its regulations, the Commission may authorize a gas company or electric company to provide service for central heating or cooling systems, or a combination of those systems, to an occupancy unit or shopping center unit subject to this subsection if the Commission is satisfied that the service will result in a substantial net saving of energy over the energy saving that would result from individual metering or submetering as provided under § 7–303 or § 7–304 of this subtitle.
(d)    The owner, operator, or manager of a residential multiple occupancy building or shopping center subject to this section may not impose a utility cost on an occupancy unit or shopping center unit, except for charges that:
(1)    the Commission authorizes the gas company or electric company to impose; and
(2)    the gas company or electric company actually imposes on the owner, operator, or manager.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 3 - Consumer Relations › Section 7-302 - Meters -- Inspection

(a)    (1)    By written request, a consumer may compel the Commission to inspect and test the consumer’s electric meter or gas meter.
(2)    The consumer is entitled to be present for the test.
(b)    (1)    The Commission shall set a percentage tolerance limit for the accuracy of an electric meter or gas meter.
(2)    The Commission shall order a gas company or electric company to replace a meter at the company’s expense if the meter is incorrect to the prejudice of the consumer by more than the percentage tolerance limit set by the Commission.
(c)    (1)    The Commission shall set a uniform reasonable fee for meter test services under this section.
(2)    (i)    If the test indicates that the meter is within the percentage tolerance limit set by the Commission under subsection (b)(1) of this section, the consumer shall pay the test fee.
(ii)    If the test indicates that the meter is not within the percentage tolerance limit set by the Commission, the Commission shall refund the fee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 3 - Consumer Relations › Section 7-304 - Energy Allocation Equipment -- Apartments

(a)    (1)    In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)    “Apartment house” has the meaning stated in § 7-303(a) of this subtitle.
(3)    “Dwelling unit” has the meaning stated in § 7-303(a) of this subtitle.
(4)    “Energy allocation system” means a method of determining the approximate energy use within an individual dwelling unit by a measuring device that the Commission approves.
(b)    (1)    Approval from the Commission is required before energy allocation equipment and procedures may be used by the owner, operator, or manager of an apartment house to determine the amount of gas or electricity used by an individual dwelling unit, if the amount of gas or electricity is determined by means other than by actual measurement of fuel or electric power consumed by the unit.
(2)    An energy allocation system may not be used for direct billing of energy costs to the tenant of an individual dwelling unit unless the Commission approves the system in accordance with this subsection.
(c)    (1)    The Commission shall adopt regulations that specify the conditions under which the energy allocation equipment and procedures approved by it under subsection (b) of this section may be implemented.
(2)    The regulations shall include requirements that the owner, operator, or manager of an apartment house shall use to inform consumers about estimated energy costs.
(d)    The Commission shall send any complaint it receives about an individual dwelling unit’s gas or electric power consumption to the Office of the Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division, if the dwelling unit’s gas or electric power consumption is determined by the use of energy allocation equipment and procedures approved by the Commission under subsection (b) of this section.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 3 - Consumer Relations › Section 7-305 - Customer Billing

(a)    A gas company or electric company may bill its customers for gas, electricity, or any other service it renders only on the basis of the net total cost of the service under the applicable rate that is filed for that service.
(b)    (1)    The Commission may authorize a gas company or electric company to apply an additional charge over the net total cost to any bill or part of a bill that is not paid:
(i)    within 20 days for a residential customer or residential cooperative; or
(ii)    within 15 days for any other customer.
(2)    (i)    The additional charge that is applied by a gas company or electric company under this subsection may not exceed 5% of the net bill or part of the bill.
(ii)    Unless the Commission approves the imposition of different charges on different classes of customers, any additional charges applied by a gas company or electric company under this subsection shall be uniform for all customers.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 3 - Consumer Relations › Section 7-306.1 - Interconnection Agreement for Installation of Solar Electric Generating Facility

(a)    A person who is negotiating a contract with an eligible customer–generator to install a solar electric generating facility on the customer–generator’s property that the customer–generator owns and operates, leases and operates, or contracts with a third party that owns and operates and that requires interconnection with an electric company’s distribution facilities:
(1)    shall submit to the customer–generator’s electric company a completed application for interconnection of the solar electric generating facility with the electric company’s distribution facilities;
(2)    before receiving the electric company’s approval of the application submitted under paragraph (1) of this subsection:
(i)    may accept payment from the customer–generator in connection with the contract; but
(ii)    may not begin installation of the solar electric generating facility on the customer–generator’s property;
(3)    shall notify the customer–generator of the electric company’s approval or disapproval of the application submitted under paragraph (1) of this subsection; and
(4)    if the electric company disapproves the application submitted under paragraph (1) of this subsection, shall fully refund any payment from the customer–generator under paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection.
(b)    On request of a person under subsection (a)(1) of this section, an electric company shall process an application submitted under subsection (a)(1) of this section and notify the person whether the application is approved or disapproved in accordance with a process and time frame specified in regulations adopted by the Commission.
(c)    (1)    In this subsection, “installation process” includes:
(i)    an approved application submitted under subsection (a)(1) of this section;
(ii)    completion of the installation of the customer–generator’s solar electric generating facility and any required electric distribution system upgrades; and
(iii)    completion of all necessary paperwork and documentation, including a signed interconnection agreement, certificate of completion, and an inspection certificate.
(2)    (i)    Subject to subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, an electric company shall issue acceptance and final approval to operate a customer–generator’s solar electric generating facility on the electric company’s distribution facilities within 20 business days after the completion of the installation process and receipt of the paperwork and documentation set forth in paragraph (1)(iii) of this subsection.
(ii)    An electric company shall complete the interconnection requirements under subparagraph (i) of this paragraph for at least 90% of installation processes completed during the year in the electric company’s service territory.
(3)    The Commission may temporarily waive the requirements under paragraph (2) of this subsection in an electric company’s service territory on a showing of good cause.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 3 - Consumer Relations › Section 7-307.1 - Termination of Electric and Gas Service in Extreme Temperatures

(a)    A public service company may not terminate electric or gas service to a residential customer in a designated weather station area because of nonpayment on a day for which the forecasted high temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below in that weather station area.
(b)    A public service company may not terminate electric service to a residential customer in a designated weather station area because of nonpayment on a day for which the forecasted temperature is 95 degrees Fahrenheit or above in that weather station area.
(c)    The Commission shall require each public service company that provides electric or gas service to designate and file with the Commission designated weather station areas within its service territory for use in administering the restrictions on weather–related terminations under subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
(d)    This section may not be construed to limit the authority of the Commission to adopt, by regulation or order, additional limitations and conditions on termination of electric or gas service that are more protective of consumers.
(e)    The Commission shall adopt regulations to carry out this section.