reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part III - Rate Stabilization › Section 7-531 - Commission to Establish Procedures and Time Frames for Review

The Commission shall establish specific procedures and time frames for the review and adjustment of qualified rate stabilization charges at least once each year, within 90 days before the anniversary date of the issuance of the rate stabilization bonds, to correct any overcollections or undercollections of the preceding 12 months and to ensure the expected recovery of amounts sufficient to timely provide all payments of debt service and other required amounts and charges in connection with the rate stabilization bonds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part III - Rate Stabilization › Section 7-532 - Termination, Expiration, and Extension of Orders

(a)    A qualified rate order shall terminate and expire 1 year after the date of its adoption if, during that period, no rate stabilization bonds authorized in the qualified rate order shall have been issued.
(b)    This period shall be extended by any period during which judicial proceedings for review may be pending in accordance with § 7-528(c) of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part III - Rate Stabilization › Section 7-533 - Retiring and Refunding Bonds

(a)    At the request of an electric company, the Commission may adopt a qualified rate order providing for retiring and refunding rate stabilization bonds if the Commission finds that the future qualified rate stabilization charges required to service the new rate stabilization bonds, including transaction costs, will be less than the future qualified rate stabilization charges required to service the rate stabilization bonds being refunded.
(b)    On the retirement of the refunded rate stabilization bonds, the Commission shall adjust the related qualified rate stabilization charges accordingly.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part III - Rate Stabilization › Section 7-534 - Modified or Additional Qualified Rate Orders

(a)    At the request of an electric company, the Commission may modify an existing qualified rate order, or issue an additional qualified rate order, providing for the issuance of:
(1)    additional rate stabilization bonds for rate stabilization costs not recovered under an original qualified rate order; or
(2)    new rate stabilization bonds for the combined purposes of:
(i)    financing and recovering rate stabilization costs not recovered under an original qualified rate order; and
(ii)    subject to § 7-533 of this subtitle, retiring and refunding existing rate stabilization bonds.
(b)    Unless otherwise provided in the modified or additional qualified rate order or in the trust agreement securing the additional or new rate stabilization bonds, the additional or new rate stabilization bonds are:
(1)    considered to be of the same issue as the original issue; and
(2)    entitled to payment from the same funds as the original issue, without preference or priority of the rate stabilization bonds of the original issue.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part III - Rate Stabilization › Section 7-535 - Bond Not Debt, Liability, or Pledge of State or Governmental Unit

(a)    A rate stabilization bond issued under this part is not a debt, liability, or a pledge of the full faith and credit of the State or any other governmental unit.
(b)    The issuance of a rate stabilization bond under this part is not directly, indirectly, or contingently a moral or other obligation of the State or any other governmental unit to levy or pledge any tax or to make an appropriation to pay the rate stabilization bond.
(c)    Each rate stabilization bond issued under this part shall state on its face that:
(1)    the State and any governmental unit are not obliged to pay the principal of or interest on the bond; and
(2)    neither the full faith and credit nor the taxing power of the State or any other governmental unit is pledged to the payment of the principal of or interest on a rate stabilization bond.
(d)    (1)    The State pledges, for the benefit and protection of financing parties and the electric company, that it will not take or allow any action that would impair the value of rate stabilization property, or, except as allowed in accordance with §§ 7-531, 7-533, and 7-534 of this subtitle, reduce, alter, or impair the qualified rate stabilization charges to be imposed, collected, and remitted to financing parties, until the principal, interest, and premium, and any other charges incurred and contracts to be performed in connection with the related rate stabilization bonds have been paid and performed in full.
(2)    Any party issuing rate stabilization bonds is authorized to include this pledge in any documentation relating to those bonds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part III - Rate Stabilization › Section 7-536 - Permissible Provisions of Order

A qualified rate order under this part that authorizes the issuance of rate stabilization bonds may:
(1)    state the rights and remedies of bondholders and any assignee; and
(2)    contain provisions to protect and enforce the rights and remedies of bondholders and any assignee.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part III - Rate Stabilization › Section 7-537 - Rate Stabilization Property

(a)    The rights and interests of an electric company or successor under a qualified rate order, including the right to impose, collect, and receive qualified rate stabilization charges authorized in the order:
(1)    become rate stabilization property when they are first transferred to an assignee or are pledged in connection with the issuance of rate stabilization bonds; but
(2)    are only contract rights before that first transfer or pledge.
(b)    Rate stabilization property constitutes a present property right:
(1)    for purposes of contracts concerning the sale or pledge of property, even though the imposition and collection of qualified rate stabilization charges depends on further acts of the electric company or others that have not yet occurred; and
(2)    for all purposes until the later of:
(i)    the period provided in the qualified rate order, to the extent provided in that order; or
(ii)    the payment in full of the rate stabilization bonds, including all principal, interest, premium, costs, and arrearages on the bonds.
(c)    All revenues and collections resulting from qualified rate stabilization charges are proceeds only of the rate stabilization property arising from the qualified rate order.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part III - Rate Stabilization › Section 7-538 - Exemption From Taxes and Charges

A transaction that involves the transfer and ownership of rate stabilization property and the receipt of rate stabilization charges are exempt from State and local income, sales, franchise, gross receipts, and other taxes or similar charges.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part III - Rate Stabilization › Section 7-539 - Status of Agreement as Sale

(a)    An agreement by an electric company or assignee to transfer rate stabilization property that expressly states that the transfer is a sale or other absolute transfer signifies that:
(1)    the transaction is a true sale and is not a secured transaction; and
(2)    legal and equitable title has passed to the entity to which the rate stabilization property is transferred.
(b)    The status of the transfer as a true sale prevails regardless of any recourse the purchaser may have against the seller, or any other term of the parties’ agreement, including:
(1)    the seller’s retention of an equity interest in the rate stabilization property;
(2)    the fact that the electric company acts as the collector of qualified rate stabilization charges relating to the rate stabilization property; and
(3)    the treatment of the transfer as a financing for tax, financial reporting, or other purposes.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part III - Rate Stabilization › Section 7-540 - Interest of Assignee or Pledgee Not Subject to Setoff, Counterclaim, Surcharge, or Defense; Order Effective Despite Bankruptcy

(a)    The interest of an assignee or pledgee in rate stabilization property and in the revenues and collections arising from that property is not subject to setoff, counterclaim, surcharge, or defense by the electric company or any other person or in connection with the bankruptcy of the electric company or any other entity.
(b)    A qualified rate order remains in effect and unabated notwithstanding the bankruptcy of the electric company, its successors, or assignees.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part III - Rate Stabilization › Section 7-541 - Required Statements in Electric Bills

(a)    (1)    The electric bill of an electric company that has obtained a qualified rate order and issued rate stabilization bonds must:
(i)    explicitly reflect that a portion of the charges on the bill represents qualified rate stabilization charges approved in a qualified rate order issued to the electric company; and
(ii)    if the rate stabilization property has been transferred to an assignee, include a statement to the effect that:
1.    the assignee is the owner of the rights to qualified rate stabilization charges; and
2.    the electric company or any other entity, if applicable, is acting as a collection agent or servicer for the assignee.
(2)    The tariff applicable to customers must indicate the qualified rate stabilization charge and the ownership of that charge.
(b)    The failure of an electric company to comply with this section may not invalidate, impair, or affect any qualified rate order, rate stabilization property, qualified rate stabilization charge, or rate stabilization bonds.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part III - Rate Stabilization › Section 7-543 - Successors to Perform and Satisfy Obligations

(a)    This section applies to a person that is a successor to an electric company, whether through:
(1)    a reorganization, bankruptcy, or other insolvency proceeding;
(2)    a merger or acquisition, sale, or other business combination; or
(3)    a transfer by operation of law.
(b)    A successor to an electric company shall perform and satisfy all obligations of, and have the same rights under a qualified rate order as, the electric company under the qualified rate order in the same manner and to the same extent as the electric company, including:
(1)    collecting the revenues, collections, payments, or proceeds of the rate stabilization property; and
(2)    paying them to the person entitled to receive them.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part III - Rate Stabilization › Section 7-544 - Assignees or Financing Parties Not Considered Public Service Company or Electric Supplier

An assignee or financing party may not be considered to be a public service company or an electricity supplier solely by virtue of the transactions described in this part.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part IV - Rate Stabilization -- Specific Provisions › Section 7-547 - Scope of Part

This part applies to an investor-owned electric company that has an obligation to provide standard offer service under § 7-510(c) of this subtitle to residential electric customers for whom rate cap or price freeze service established under a settlement agreement approved in accordance with § 7-505(d) of this subtitle expires at the end of June 30, 2006.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 5 - Electric Industry Restructuring › Part IV - Rate Stabilization -- Specific Provisions › Section 7-549 - Recovery of Actual Costs of Carrying Costs and Expenses

(a)    In this section, “actual cost” means the costs and expenses deferred as regulatory assets multiplied by:
(1)    the electric company’s cost of debt; or
(2)    if the electric company secures the debt under Part III of this subtitle, the cost of the secured debt.
(b)    An electric company shall recover, as an additional rate stabilization cost, the actual cost to the electric company of carrying the costs and expenses deferred as regulatory assets under the rate stabilization plan.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 6 - Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › Section 7-602 - Legislative Findings; Purpose of Subtitle

The General Assembly finds and declares that the purpose of this subtitle is to:
(1)    clarify existing law regarding the provision of competitive retail gas supply and gas supply services in the State;
(2)    require the Commission to license gas suppliers;
(3)    authorize the Commission to adopt complaint procedures;
(4)    establish certain requirements relating to the competitiveness of retail gas supply and gas supply services markets; and
(5)    establish standards for the protection of consumers.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 6 - Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › Section 7-603 - Licensing; Authority of Commission

(a)    The Commission shall license gas suppliers and shall have the same authority as the Commission has under § 7-507 of this title for electricity suppliers, including the authority to:
(1)    revoke or suspend a license;
(2)    impose a moratorium, civil penalty, or other remedy; or
(3)    order a refund for or credit to a customer.
(b)    The Commission shall adopt licensing requirements and procedures for gas suppliers that protect consumers, the public interest, and the collection of all State and local taxes.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 6 - Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › Section 7-604 - Consumer Protection Orders or Regulations

(a)    On or before July 1, 2001, the Commission shall adopt consumer protection orders or regulations for gas suppliers that:
(1)    protect consumers from discriminatory, unfair, deceptive, and anticompetitive acts and practices in the marketing, selling, or distributing of natural gas;
(2)    provide for contracting, enrollment, and billing practices and procedures; and
(3)    the Commission considers necessary to protect the consumer.
(b)    In adopting orders and regulations under this section, unless the Commission determines that the circumstances do not require consistency, the Commission shall:
(1)    provide customers with protections consistent with applicable protections provided to retail electric customers; and
(2)    impose appropriate requirements on gas suppliers that are consistent with applicable requirements imposed on electricity suppliers.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 6 - Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › Section 7-604.1 - Customer Choice Shopping Website for Natural Gas Suppliers

(a)    The Commission shall establish a customer choice shopping website that allows a customer to sort natural gas suppliers that have open offers to supply natural gas to residential customers in the customer’s service area.
(b)    The website shall include:
(1)    a list of all natural gas suppliers that have open offers to supply natural gas to residential customers in a customer’s service area, sortable by:
(i)    cost of service;
(ii)    cost of natural gas per therm;
(iii)    rate structure;
(iv)    duration of the contract;
(v)    cancellation fee; and
(vi)    any other aspect of service that the Commission considers necessary;
(2)    a way to compare natural gas suppliers based on the sortable items specified under item (1) of this subsection;
(3)    a link to the website of each natural gas supplier with an open offer to supply natural gas to residential customers;
(4)    a link to a complaint process that provides access for the customer to protect the customer’s rights and make use of consumer protections through the Commission; and
(5)    fact sheets on the process for comparing offers from natural gas suppliers on the website, including relevant contract terms, requirements, limitations, and fees.
(c)    (1)    To ensure the currency and accuracy of information required under subsection (b) of this section, the Commission shall maintain a secure portal on its website to receive information about offers to supply natural gas from natural gas suppliers.
(2)    At least once a month, each natural gas supplier with an open offer to supply natural gas shall submit detailed information about the offer to the Commission through a secure portal maintained by the Commission on the Commission’s website for this purpose.
(d)    The Commission shall recover the cost of complying with this section in accordance with § 2–110 of this article.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 6 - Natural Gas Supplier Licensing and Consumer Protection › Section 7-605 - Construction of Subtitle; Dispute Resolution

(a)    This subtitle may not be construed to:
(1)    affect the authority of the Division of Consumer Protection of the Office of the Attorney General to enforce violations of Titles 13 and 14 of the Commercial Law Article or any other applicable State law or regulation in connection with the activities of gas suppliers; or
(2)    exempt gas companies and gas suppliers from otherwise applicable State or federal consumer protection and antitrust laws.
(b)    The Commission shall consult with the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General before adopting regulations designed to protect consumers of gas supply and gas supply services.
(c)    The People’s Counsel has the same authority in licensing, complaint, and dispute resolution proceedings as the People’s Counsel has under Subtitle 5 of this title and Title 2 of this article.
(d)    In connection with a consumer complaint or Commission investigation under this subtitle, a gas supplier shall provide to the Commission access to any accounts, books, papers, and documents that the Commission considers necessary to resolve a matter in dispute.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 7 - Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard › Section 7-702 - Intent and Findings

(a)    It is the intent of the General Assembly to:
(1)    recognize the economic, environmental, fuel diversity, and security benefits of renewable energy resources;
(2)    reduce greenhouse gas emissions and eliminate carbon–fueled generation from the State’s electric grid by using these resources;
(3)    establish a market for electricity from these resources in Maryland; and
(4)    lower the cost to consumers of electricity produced from these resources.
(b)    The General Assembly finds that:
(1)    the benefits of electricity from renewable energy resources, including long–term decreased emissions, a healthier environment, increased energy security, and decreased reliance on and vulnerability from imported energy sources, accrue to the public at large;
(2)    electricity suppliers and consumers share an obligation to develop a minimum level of these resources in the electricity supply portfolio of the State; and
(3)    the State needs to increase its reliance on renewable energy in order to:
(i)    reduce greenhouse gas emissions and meet the State’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals under § 2–1205 of the Environment Article; and
(ii)    provide opportunities for small, minority, women–owned, and veteran–owned businesses to participate in and develop a highly skilled workforce for clean energy industries in the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 7 - Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard › Section 7-706 - Recovery of Costs or Compliance Fees; Waiver

(a)    (1)    Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, in accordance with the obligation to provide standard offer service through the bid process created under § 7–510 of this title, the Commission shall allow an electricity supplier to recover actual dollar–for–dollar costs incurred, including a compliance fee under § 7–705 of this subtitle, in complying with a State–mandated renewable energy portfolio standard.
(2)    In accordance with the Phase II settlement agreement approved by the Commission in Order No. 78710 in Case No. 8908 on September 30, 2003, for any full–service agreement executed before the renewable energy standard under this subtitle applies to an electric company, the electric company and its wholesale electricity suppliers may pass through their commercially reasonable additional costs, if any, associated with complying with the standard, through the end of the year of standard offer service in which the requirement took effect.
(b)    An electricity supplier may recover a compliance fee if:
(1)    the payment of a compliance fee is the least–cost measure to customers as compared to the purchase of Tier 1 renewable sources to comply with a renewable energy portfolio standard;
(2)    there are insufficient Tier 1 renewable sources available for the electricity supplier to comply with a renewable energy portfolio standard; or
(3)    a wholesale electricity supplier defaults or otherwise fails to deliver renewable energy credits under a supply contract approved by the Commission.
(c)    Any cost recovery under this section:
(1)    for all electricity suppliers, may be in the form of a generation surcharge payable by all current electricity supply customers, except as otherwise provided in § 7–704(e) of this subtitle;
(2)    shall be disclosed to customers in a manner to be determined by the Commission; and
(3)    may not include the costs for a power purchase contract under the federal Public Utility Regulatory Policy Act contemplated in rates or restructuring proceedings.
(d)    (1)    In accordance with regulations adopted by the Commission in consultation with the Department of Commerce, the Commission may waive the recovery of all or part of the compliance fee assessed on the load of a particular industrial or nonretail commercial customer for a particular year, based on a demonstration by the applicant of an extreme economic hardship that significantly impairs the continued operation of the applicant.
(2)    Any compliance fee recovery that is waived under this subsection may not be assessed against other customers.
(3)    An electricity supplier is not liable for any compliance fee that is waived under this subsection.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 7 - Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard › Section 7-708 - Renewable Electricity Trading System

(a)    (1)    The Commission shall establish and maintain a market-based renewable electricity trading system to facilitate the creation and transfer of renewable energy credits.
(2)    To the extent practicable, the trading system shall be consistent with and operate in conjunction with the trading system developed by PJM Interconnection, Inc., if available.
(3)    The Commission may contract with a for-profit or a nonprofit entity to assist in the administration of the electricity trading system required under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(b)    (1)    The system shall include a registry of pertinent information regarding all:
(i)    available renewable energy credits; and
(ii)    renewable energy credit transactions among electricity suppliers in the State, including:
1.    the creation and application of renewable energy credits;
2.    the number of renewable energy credits sold or transferred; and
3.    the price paid for the sale or transfer of renewable energy credits.
(2)    (i)    The registry shall provide current information to electricity suppliers and the public on the status of renewable energy credits created, sold, or transferred in the State.
(ii)    Registry information shall be available by computer network access through the Internet.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 7 - Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard › Section 7-711 - Power to Investigate and Examine

(a)    The Commission has the same power and authority with respect to an electricity supplier under this subtitle that the Commission has with respect to any public service company under this division for the purposes of investigating and examining the electricity supplier to determine compliance with this subtitle and with other applicable law.
(b)    (1)    Beginning January 1, 2008, the Commission shall designate an individual to be responsible for the oversight of compliance with the requirements of Tier 1 renewable sources that are to be derived from solar energy.
(2)    The individual designated under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall:
(i)    develop the program for the requirements for Tier 1 renewable sources derived from solar energy;
(ii)    provide education and outreach to promote the use of solar energy; and
(iii)    make policy recommendations to the Commission regarding improving the State’s use of solar energy, including the development of clear, simple, and straightforward forms, requirements, and procedures to facilitate participation by homeowners and small businesses in deployment of solar generation in the State.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 7 - Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard › Section 7-712 - Reporting

Subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on or before December 1 of each year the Commission shall report to the General Assembly on the status of implementation of this subtitle, including the availability of Tier 1 renewable sources, projects supported by the Fund, and other pertinent information.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 8 - Electric Distribution System Planning › Section 7-801 - Support of State's Policy Goals

It is the goal of the State that the electric distribution system support, in a cost–effective manner, the State’s policy goals with regard to:
(1)    greenhouse gas reduction;
(2)    renewable energy;
(3)    decreasing dependence on electricity imported from other states; and
(4)    achieving energy distribution resiliency, efficiency, and reliability.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 8 - Electric Distribution System Planning › Section 7-802 - Submission of Annual Reports by Commission to General Assembly -- Contents

On or before December 1, 2024, and each December 1 thereafter, the Commission shall submit a report, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly with information regarding the current status of electric distribution system evolution, including information on electric distribution system planning processes and implementation that promote, as specific goals, the following:
(1)    measures to decrease greenhouse gas emissions incident to electric distribution, including high levels of distributed energy resources and electric vehicles;
(2)    giving priority to vulnerable communities in the development of distributed energy resources and electric vehicle infrastructure;
(3)    energy efficiency;
(4)    meeting anticipated increases in load;
(5)    incorporation of energy storage technology as appropriate and prudent to:
(i)    support efficiency and reliability of the electric distribution system; and
(ii)    provide additional capacity to accommodate increased distributed renewable electricity generation in connection with electric distribution system modernization;
(6)    efficient management of load variability;
(7)    electric distribution system resiliency and reliability;
(8)    bidirectional power flows;
(9)    demand response and other nonwire and noncapital alternatives;
(10)    increased use of distributed energy resources, including electric vehicles;
(11)    transparent stakeholder participation in ongoing electric distribution system planning processes; and
(12)    any other issues the Commission considers appropriate.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 8 - Electric Distribution System Planning › Section 7-803 - Diligent Pursuit of Federal Funding -- Assistance in Applying -- Identification of Funding Sources

(a)    The General Assembly strongly encourages the electric companies of the State to pursue diligently federal funds to meet the State’s policy goals for the electric distribution system, including funds made available under §§ 40101, 40103, and 40107 of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
(b)    The Commission and the Maryland Energy Administration shall provide assistance and support to electric companies for applying for and obtaining access to federal and other available funds to meet the State’s policy goals for the electric distribution system.
(c)    The Maryland Energy Administration shall identify funding sources that may be available to electric companies to implement the State’s policy goals under § 7–802 of this subtitle, including funding for:
(1)    increasing the efficiency of electric distribution systems, including through installation and integration of energy storage devices and operational changes and upgrades;
(2)    grid–hardening activities to reduce the occurrence of or consequences of events that disrupt operations of the electric distribution system due to extreme weather or natural disasters;
(3)    other distribution system–related upgrade activities available for funding under § 40101, § 40103, or § 40107 of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act; and
(4)    other specific activities that the Commission identifies.
(d)    As needed to promote the State’s policy goals under § 7–802 of this subtitle, the Commission:
(1)    shall require each electric company to report to the Commission and the Maryland Energy Administration on:
(i)    the funding for which the electric company has applied;
(ii)    the purposes for which the funding is intended to be used;
(iii)    the status of the funding applications; and
(iv)    conditions that must be met to obtain the funding; and
(2)    may adopt regulations or issue orders that require electric companies to apply for federal and other available funds in a timely manner.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 7 - Gas, Electric, and Water Companies › Subtitle 8 - Electric Distribution System Planning › Section 7-804 - Regulations to Promote State's Policy Goals

On or before July 1, 2025, the Commission shall adopt regulations or issue orders to implement specific policies for electric distribution system planning and improvements in order to promote the State’s policy goals under § 7–802 of this subtitle.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 8 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 8-101 - Scope of Subtitle

(a)    This subtitle applies to:
(1)    a telegraph company; or
(2)    a telephone company that owned lines and provided local exchange or interexchange service in the State as of October 1, 1993, with the approval of the Commission.
(b)    Except as otherwise provided by law, the provisions of this subtitle are not subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 8 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 8-103 - Construction of Lines and Fixtures -- in General

(a)    (1)    A telegraph or telephone company or a corporation authorized under § 5-410(a)(3) of this article may construct lines:
(i)    through the State;
(ii)    from or to any point in the State;
(iii)    on the boundaries of the State;
(iv)    along and on a road, street, or highway; and
(v)    across bridges and the waters in the State.
(2)    The company may erect fixtures, including poles, piers, or abutments necessary to sustain the lines.
(3)    This section does not authorize a company to construct a bridge across any of the navigable waters of the State.
(b)    A line constructed under subsection (a) of this section is not a public nuisance and is not subject to abatement by a private party if the line does not interfere with or disturb:
(1)    the public use of roads, highways, and bridges;
(2)    the navigation of the waters of the State; or
(3)    the convenience of a landowner more than is unavoidable.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 8 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 8-104 - Construction of Lines and Fixtures -- Liability for Damages

Notwithstanding the provisions of § 8-103(b) of this subtitle, a telegraph or telephone company or a corporation authorized under § 5-410(a)(3) of this article is responsible for damage a person may sustain through the erection, continuance, or use of telegraph, telephone, or electric facilities.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 8 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 8-105 - Construction of Lines and Fixtures -- Suit for Damages Brought by Owner or Possessor of Land

(a)    If, within a reasonable time after due notice, a telegraph or telephone company or a corporation authorized under § 5-410(a)(3) of this article fails or refuses to remove telegraph, telephone, or electric facilities causing damage, the owner or possessor of land or a political subdivision may sue for damages.
(b)    (1)    If the person filing suit for damages under this section prevails, the company may elect to pay damages for allowing the company to maintain the facilities permanently.
(2)    If the damages paid include damages for allowing the company to maintain the facilities permanently, the right of the company to maintain the facilities permanently shall be confirmed as if the right were granted by the parties to the suit.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 8 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 8-106 - Construction of Lines and Fixtures -- Easement for Facilities

(a)    To obtain an easement, the president and directors of a telegraph or telephone company or a corporation authorized under § 5-410(a)(3) of this article may apply to the circuit court of the county containing the land or bridge where the telegraph, telephone, or electric facilities will be placed to empanel a jury to appraise the loss or damage that will be sustained by the owner or possessor of the land or bridge.
(b)    (1)    (i)    The jury shall make a return and inquisition in writing that is signed and sealed by each juror.
(ii)    The return and inquisition shall state the amount of the loss or damage.
(2)    (i)    The county sheriff shall return the jury’s inquisition to the clerk of the circuit court of the county.
(ii)    The clerk shall file the inquisition with the court.
(3)    Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection, the court shall confirm the inquisition of the jury and the clerk shall record the inquisition at the expense of the company.
(4)    For good cause, the court may set aside the inquisition and direct another inquisition to be taken as provided in this section.
(c)    (1)    When the value of the loss or damage is paid or tendered to the owner of the land or the legal representative of the owner of the land, the company is entitled to the easement as if the owner of the land conveyed the easement to the company.
(2)    If the value is not received when tendered, it may be received at any time without costs by the owner of the land or the legal representative of the owner of the land.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 8 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 8-107 - Timber Damage to Lines

(a)    Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the owner of timber growing along a telegraph or telephone line is not subject to an action for damages if:
(1)    the telegraph or telephone line prevents the owner of the timber from cutting and felling the timber; and
(2)    in cutting or felling the timber, the owner damages the telegraph or telephone line.
(b)    An owner of timber is subject to an action for damages if, in cutting and felling the timber, the owner willfully and intentionally injures the telegraph or telephone line.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 8 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies › Subtitle 1 - General Provisions › Section 8-108 - Duty to Transmit Telegrams; Liability for Damages

(a)    A telegraph company doing business in this State shall:
(1)    receive telegrams from and for other telegraph companies and from or for any individual; and
(2)    except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, transmit telegrams received:
(i)    in the manner established by the rules and regulations of the telegraph company;
(ii)    in the order received; and
(iii)    with impartiality and good faith.
(b)    Subsection (a) of this section does not apply to a telegraph company that makes an arrangement with newspapers for the transmission of information of general and public interest out of the order received for the purpose of publication.
(c)    A telegraph company that violates subsection (a) of this section is liable to the person sending or desiring to send the telegram for:
(1)    $100 for each instance of neglect or refusal to receive or transmit a telegram; and
(2)    the costs of the suit.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 8 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies › Subtitle 2 - Telephone Service › Section 8-202 - Charges for Directory Assistance

(a)    (1)    The Commission may not authorize telephone company charges to be levied for directory assistance calls made by residential customers on the first two calls made to directory assistance from each residential service per monthly billing cycle.
(2)    Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Commission shall authorize charges on other directory assistance calls.
(b)    The Commission may not authorize telephone company charges to be levied for directory assistance on an individual who suffers from a physical or visual disability that precludes the use of a telephone directory.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 8 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies › Subtitle 2 - Telephone Service › Section 8-203 - Local Measured Rates

(a)    (1)    The Commission may not authorize mandatory telephone company charges based on a measured time period unit rate for local messages.
(2)    The Commission may study or evaluate mandatory telephone company charges.
(b)    If the Commission authorizes a telephone company to offer to residential customers the option of telephone charges based on a measured time period unit rate for local messages, the Commission also shall require the telephone company to offer to residential customers:
(1)    the option of an unlimited number and duration of local calls; and
(2)    the option of a specific charge per local call, regardless of the duration of the local call.
(c)    A telephone company may not require the payment of an order processing charge or line change charge for a residential customer’s first change from local telephone service based on charges for measured time period unit rates, if the change occurs within 18 months after the date that the consumer elects this telephone service.
(d)    The Commission may not authorize a telephone company to charge for the distance of a call within a local calling area.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 8 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies › Subtitle 2 - Telephone Service › Section 8-204 - Telephone Solicitation; Automated Dialing

(a)    This section does not apply to:
(1)    a unit of federal, State, or local government that uses an automated dialing prerecorded message machine for emergency purposes; or
(2)    a person who has a preexisting business relationship with, or the consent of, the person called.
(b)    A person may not use an automated dialing, push-button, or tone-activated address signaling system with a prerecorded message to:
(1)    solicit persons to purchase, lease, or rent goods or services;
(2)    offer a gift or prize;
(3)    conduct a poll; or
(4)    request survey information if the results will be used directly to solicit persons to purchase, lease, or rent goods or services.
(c)    The sender of an automated dialing, push-button, or tone-activated address signaling call shall disconnect the prerecorded message machine from the recipient’s telephone line within 5 seconds after the termination of the call by either the person calling or the person called.
(d)    A person who violates a provision of subsection (b) or (c) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine:
(1)    not exceeding $1,000 for the first offense; and
(2)    not exceeding $5,000 for each subsequent offense.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 8 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies › Subtitle 2 - Telephone Service › Section 8-205 - Telephone Solicitation; Caller Identification Blocking

(a)    (1)    In this section, “telephone solicitation” means an organized activity, program, or campaign to communicate by telephone with residents of Maryland in order to:
(i)    sell, lease, or rent goods or services;
(ii)    attempt to sell, lease, or rent goods or services;
(iii)    offer or attempt to offer a gift or prize;
(iv)    conduct or attempt to conduct a poll; or
(v)    request or attempt to request survey information, if the results of the survey will be used directly to solicit persons to purchase, lease, or rent goods or services.
(2)    “Telephone solicitation” includes the act of managing, directing, or supervising an individual engaged in telephone solicitation under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
(b)    This section does not apply to a unit of federal, State, or local government.
(c)    If the telephone service or equipment of a person engaged in telephone solicitation allows that person to choose to restrict or display the transmission of the person’s telephone number to the recipient of a telephone solicitation, the person may not:
(1)    intentionally use any device or method to block the transmission of the person’s telephone number to a recipient; or
(2)    take any other action to prevent or control the transmission of the person’s telephone number to a recipient.
(d)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:
(1)    for a first offense, a fine not exceeding $1,000; and
(2)    for each subsequent offense, a fine not exceeding $5,000.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 8 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies › Subtitle 2 - Telephone Service › Section 8-206 - Distribution of Telephone Directories

(a)    This section applies to telephone directories distributed by, or on behalf of, a telephone company other than advertisement–based business directories.
(b)    A telephone company may not be required to distribute a telephone directory to an address in the State unless the property owner or an occupant requests the telephone directory.
(c)    (1)    If a telephone company elects not to distribute a print telephone directory to a customer at an address in the State, the telephone company shall provide notice as to how the customer may request a print telephone directory.
(2)    The notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall:
(i)    include a toll–free telephone number a customer may call to request a print telephone directory; and
(ii)    be included:
1.    in each customer’s bill at least once each year;
2.    on the telephone company’s Web site; and
3.    in bold red print, on the front cover and the table of contents page of any print advertisement–based business directory distributed on behalf of the telephone company through September 30, 2016.
(3)    If a customer requests a print telephone directory, the telephone company shall deliver the print telephone directory to the customer at no cost to the customer.
2023 Maryland Statutes › Public Utilities › Division I - Public Services and Utilities › Title 8 - Telegraph and Telephone Companies › Subtitle 3 - Miscellaneous Provisions › Section 8-302 - Calls to Operator at Pay Phone

(a)    A telephone company doing business in the State that has coin pay telephones located on outdoor sites shall provide a method to place calls to the operator without requiring the insertion of coins into the telephone.
(b)    The cost of providing the method of placing calls required in subsection (a) of this section is a reasonable and necessary cost of providing telephone service.