reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.07 - Residential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.07.05 - Unauthorized Enrollment or Service

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier may not enroll a customer without the customer's consent.
B. A supplier may not add a new charge for a new service, existing service, or service option without first obtaining consent from the customer, verifiable to the same extent and using the same methods specified for contracting under Regulation .08 of this chapter.
C. Prohibition on Serving Energy Assistance Households on Unapproved Contracts.
(1) For contracts signed on or after July 1, 2023, a supplier may not charge an energy assistance household for supply services unless those charges are for a Commission-approved contract for energy assistance households as set forth in COMAR 20.54.04.02K.
(2) Prior to submitting an enrollment, a supplier shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that energy assistance households are only enrolled on approved contracts, including, but not limited to:
(a) Customer inquiry;
(b) Disclosing to the customer that an unapproved offer is not available to energy assistance households;
(c) Checking the My OHEP Status Portal; or
(d) Acquiring pre-enrollment information as provided in COMAR 20.53.03.02A(8).
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.07 - Residential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.07.06 - Termination

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Except as provided under §§B and C of this regulation, a utility may not terminate service for failure of a customer to pay supplier charges.
B. If a utility purchases the receivables of a supplier under COMAR 20.59.05.03B, the purchased supplier receivables become utility charges for the purpose of termination of service under COMAR 20.31.
C. If a utility purchases arrearages attributable to a utility as described in COMAR 20.59.05.10D from a supplier providing supplier-consolidated billing services, the purchased arrearages become utility charges for the purpose of termination of service under COMAR 20.31.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.07 - Residential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.07.07 - Advertising and Solicitations

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Advertising Permitted.
(1) A supplier may advertise its services.
(2) A supplier may not engage in a marketing or trade practice that is unfair, false, misleading, or deceptive.
(3) A supplier may not make an offer to an energy assistance household unless the offer is for a Commission-approved contract for energy assistance households.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.07 - Residential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.07.09 - Customer Disclosure

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Price Information.
(1) A supplier's price for service shall include, but not be limited to, all fixed and variable components.
(2) When noncommodity products are provided with the commodity under supplier-consolidated billing, the supplier shall:
(a) List the commodity price for energy service separately from other products if the commodity is sold separately from the other products;
(b) List the total charges for all products and services as the price of the commodity if the supplier does not permit a customer to purchase the gas product without purchasing the other products or services;
(c) Provide the approximate commodity and noncommodity portions of the price upon the customer's request; and
(d) Disclose, if the commodity product has a one-time up-front cost, the price of a commodity product over a 12-month period with 1/12 of the cost being attributed to a single month for the purposes of comparing to the supplier price comparison information in the utility service territory.
(3) When a gas supplier compares the supplier's price to the price a customer would pay for utility gas commodity service, the gas commodity service price is the sales service price offered in the gas utility territory where the supplier's service is to be provided.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.07 - Residential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.07.10 - Notice of Contract Expiration or Cancellation

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Notice. Except as permitted in §§D and G of this regulation, a supplier shall provide the customer with notice at least 30 days before expiration or cancellation of a supply contract.
B. Contents of Notice. The supplier's expiration or cancellation notice required under §A of this regulation shall include:
(1) Final bill payment instructions;
(2) A statement informing the customer that, unless the customer selects a new service provider, cancellation of the contract shall return the customer to the utility; and
(3) The toll-free telephone number and the web site address of the Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.07 - Residential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.07.12 - Assignment of Contract

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. At least 30 days prior to the effective date of any assignment or transfer of a supplier contract from one supplier to another, the suppliers shall jointly provide written notice to the customers of the supplier, the Commission, the utility and the Office of People's Counsel of the assignment or transfer.
(1) Notice to Customer. The suppliers shall jointly send a letter to the customer informing them of the assignment or transfer. The letter shall include:
(a) A description of the transaction in clear and concise language including the effective date of the assignment or transfer; and
(b) Customer service contact information for the assignee.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.07 - Residential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.07.13 - Notice of Change in Rate

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. When a customer's rate changes, a supplier shall make available to a customer his or her rate for the next billing period;
(1) The rate shall be made available at least 12 days prior to close of the customer's billing period;
(2) The rate shall be made available in a clear, easy to access format prescribed by the supplier;
(3) The supplier shall promptly provide the customer written directions on how to access the rate:
(a) At the time of contracting;
(b) In the Contract Summary;
(c) When sending any notice as required in this title;
(d) Upon request; or
(e) If the supplier changes the directions for accessing the rate.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.07 - Residential Customer Protection › Section 20.59.07.14 - Energy Assistance Households

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Utility Obligation to Reject Enrollments.
(1) Beginning on July 1, 2023, an energy assistance household may only be enrolled by a supplier onto a Commission-approved contract for energy assistance households.
(2) Beginning on July 1, 2023, when a utility receives a supplier enrollment the utility shall determine the customer's energy assistance household status and reject the enrollment if the supplier does not have a Commission-approved contract for energy assistance households. When rejecting an enrollment, the utility shall identify the reason for rejecting the enrollment as the customer's energy assistance household status.
(3) The utility shall record the number of rejected enrollments and provide annual reporting to the Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.08 - Supplier-Consolidated Billing Customer Protections › Section 20.59.08.01 - Scope

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. This chapter applies to suppliers providing supplier-consolidated billing services.
B. The requirements in this chapter are in addition to all other requirements in COMAR relating to the provision of retail supply.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.08 - Supplier-Consolidated Billing Customer Protections › Section 20.59.08.02 - Alternative Payment Plans

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier is not required to offer alternative payment plans.
B. The supplier shall promptly notify the customer of the outcome of a request for an alternative payment plan.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.08 - Supplier-Consolidated Billing Customer Protections › Section 20.59.08.03 - Deposits

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier may charge a customer a deposit for supplier-consolidated billing subject to the following:
(1) A supplier may request a maximum of 4 months of supply charges for a deposit related to commodity service;
(2) A supplier is not required to apply its deposit from §A(1) of this regulation or the interest accrued thereon to any utility charges held by the supplier;
(3) Any interest earned on deposits held by a supplier shall be returned to the customer if the deposit is not used for collection purposes;
(4) Unclaimed deposits, with accrued interest, shall be credited to an appropriate account, or shall otherwise be disposed of in accordance with State law;
(5) A supplier shall return a customer's excess deposit to the customer once the customer has no financial obligation to the supplier; and
(6) A supplier shall retain records of deposits for a minimum of 3 years.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.08 - Supplier-Consolidated Billing Customer Protections › Section 20.59.08.04 - Late Payment Charges

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier shall only charge a late fee if it is specified in the customer's contract.
B. A supplier may not charge a late fee in excess of 5 percent.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.08 - Supplier-Consolidated Billing Customer Protections › Section 20.59.08.05 - Customer Bill Record Retention

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier shall retain customer billing records for the length of time necessary to permit both the supplier and utility to comply with Regulation .06 of this regulation, but not less than 3 years.
B. A supplier shall make available to the Commission or utility records necessary to ensure accurate bills and appropriate application of payments to utility and supply charges upon request.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.08 - Supplier-Consolidated Billing Customer Protections › Section 20.59.08.06 - Adjustment of Bill

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Process When a Utility Issues an Adjustment of Bill as Prescribed in COMAR 20.55.04.05 to a Supplier Providing Supplier-Consolidated Billing.
(1) The supplier shall refund or credit the customer if the bill adjustment results in an overcharge.
(2) The supplier may attempt to collect the amount due from a customer if the bill adjustment made by the utility results in an undercharge.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.08 - Supplier-Consolidated Billing Customer Protections › Section 20.59.08.07 - Investigation of Complaints

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier shall investigate promptly and thoroughly any complaint concerning its charges or practices.
B. A supplier may not charge or pursue collections activities against a customer for charges under dispute at the Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.08 - Supplier-Consolidated Billing Customer Protections › Section 20.59.08.08 - Customer Rights Pamphlet

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier providing supplier-consolidated billing shall prepare a pamphlet for customers that summarizes the rights and responsibilities of a customer receiving supplier-consolidated billing services.
B. The contents of the customer rights pamphlet required under §A of this regulation shall be provided on a form approved by the Commission.
C. The pamphlet shall be mailed or, with the customer's consent, delivered by electronic means to each customer of the supplier:
(1) Together with the contract and contract summary;
(2) When a customer's billing method changes to supplier-consolidated billing services from another billing method;
(3) Upon the customer's request; and
(4) Each October of each subsequent year the customer is with the supplier.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.08 - Supplier-Consolidated Billing Customer Protections › Section 20.59.08.09 - Call Center Metrics-Supplier-Consolidated Billing

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier shall ensure that a supplier's call center representatives who interact with customers at a minimum are able to:
(1) Assist customers with contacting a utility, including providing the utility's phone number, to resolve safety matters related to utility service;
(2) Assist customers with billing, disputes, and complaints requests, and provide the utility customer service number upon request; and
(3) Explain how a customer can file a complaint with the Commission and provide the Commission's contact information.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.09 - Issuance, Format, and Content of Bills for Supplier-Consolidated Billing; and › Section 20.59.09.01 - Scope

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
This section applies to suppliers licensed to issue supplier-consolidated bills.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.10 - Supplier-Agent Relations › Section 20.59.10.02 - Suppliers Responsible for its Agent

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier may use an agent to conduct marketing or sales activities.
B. A supplier is responsible for any fraudulent, deceptive or other unlawful marketing acts performed by its agent in the conduct of marketing or sales activities on behalf of a supplier.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.10 - Supplier-Agent Relations › Section 20.59.10.03 - Agent Qualifications and Standards

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier shall develop standards and qualifications for individuals it chooses to hire as its agents.
A supplier may not permit an individual to be hired if an individual fails to meet its standards. The standards shall ensure to the fullest extent practicable that the agent's qualifications, and for door-to-door agents the results of the criminal history record check, safeguard potential customers with whom the agent may make contact.
B. A supplier may not permit its agent to conduct door-to-door activities unless:
(1) The door-to-door agent's identity has been verified by government-issued identification;
(2) The supplier has ensured that the agent meets any local licensing, registration, or permitting requirements of the jurisdiction where the agent will be conducting door-to-door activities; and
(3) The agent's criminal history record meets the supplier's standards and qualifications.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.10 - Supplier-Agent Relations › Section 20.59.10.04 - Agent Training

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier shall ensure the training of its agents on the following subjects:
(1) Local, State, and federal laws and regulations that govern marketing, telemarketing, consumer protection and door-to-door sales as applicable to the types of marketing and jurisdiction in which the agent shall engage or operate;
(2) Responsible and ethical sales practices;
(3) The supplier's products and services;
(4) The supplier's rates, rate structures, billing, and payment options;
(5) The customer's right to rescind and cancel contracts;
(6) The applicability of an early termination fee for contract cancellation when the supplier has one;
(7) The necessity of adhering to the script and knowledge of the contents of the script if one is used;
(8) The proper completion of transaction documents;
(9) The supplier's Contract Summary;
(10) Terms and definitions related to energy supply, transmission and distribution service as found online at the Commission's website;
(11) Information about how customers may contact the supplier to obtain information about billing, disputes and complaints; and
(12) The confidentiality and protection of customer information.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.10 - Supplier-Agent Relations › Section 20.59.10.05 - Agent Identification; Misrepresentation

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier shall issue an identification badge to agents to be worn when conducting door-to-door activities or appearing at public events on behalf of a supplier. The badge shall:
(1) Accurately identify the supplier, its trade name and logo;
(2) Display the agent's photograph;
(3) Display the agent's full name;
(4) Be prominently displayed; and
(5) Display a customer service phone number for the supplier.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.10 - Supplier-Agent Relations › Section 20.59.10.06 - Door-to-Door Sales

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The following provisions do not preempt the Maryland Door to Door Sales Act.
A. A supplier and its agents shall comply with state and local government ordinances regarding door-to-door marketing and sales activities.
B. A supplier's agent shall:
(1) Prominently display an identification badge; and
(2) Offer a business card or other material that lists:
(a) The supplier's name and contact information, including telephone number;
(b) The supplier's Commission license number; and
(c) The agent's name and any other identification numbers provided to the sales agent by the supplier or agent.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 59 - COMPETITIVE GAS SUPPLY › Chapter 20.59.10 - Supplier-Agent Relations › Section 20.59.10.07 - Notification Regarding Door-to-Door Activity

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. When a supplier engages in door-to-door activity, the supplier shall notify CAD no later than the morning of the day that the activity begins. The notification shall include general, nonproprietary information about the activity, the period involved and a general description of the geographical area.
B. A supplier shall provide the utility with general, nonproprietary information about the door-to-door activity that caused the supplier to provide notice to the Commission. The supplier shall provide this general information to the utility no later than the morning of the day that the sales and marketing activities begin. The utility shall use this information only for acquainting its customer service representatives with sales and marketing activity occurring in its service territory so that they may address customer inquiries knowledgably. A utility may not use the information for other purposes.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.01 - General › Section 20.61.01.02 - Scope

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Except as exempted in Public Utilities Companies Article, §7-703, Annotated Code of Maryland, this subtitle applies to:
A. All suppliers that sell electricity at retail in Maryland; and
B. Any renewable energy facility participating in the Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard Program.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.01 - General › Section 20.61.01.04 - Applicable Renewable Portfolio Standard

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. The renewable energy portfolio standard applicable to a supplier for a given calendar year is provided under Public Utilities Article, §7-703, Annotated Code of Maryland.
B. On or before April 1 of each year, a supplier shall:
(1) Accumulate renewable energy credits from electricity generated before December 31 of the preceding calendar year equal to the percentage of credits from Tier 1 renewable sources and Tier 2 renewable sources required by §A of this regulation for that preceding year; or
(2) Pay a compliance fee as specified under Public Utilities Article, §7-705, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.01 - General › Section 20.61.01.05 - Solar REC Purchases and Offshore Wind Energy REC Purchases

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Prior to January 1, 2012, if insufficient Maryland Tier 1 solar RECs are offered to meet the RPS requirement under Public Utilities Article, §7-703, Annotated Code of Maryland, and only to the extent Maryland Tier 1 solar RECs are insufficient, a supplier may satisfy the statutory requirement with RECs from a solar renewable energy facility not connected with the electric distribution grid serving Maryland.
B. On or after January 1, 2012, a supplier's Tier 1 solar REC obligation under Public Utilities Article, §7-703, Annotated Code of Maryland, shall be satisfied only with RECs from a solar renewable energy facility connected with the electric distribution grid serving Maryland.
C. When a supplier purchases Tier 1 solar RECs directly from a Level 1 or Level 2 solar renewable energy facility, the supplier shall:
(1) For a Level 1 solar renewable energy facility:
(a) Execute a contract with a duration of not less than 15 years and pay the net present value of the contract amount in a single initial payment;
(b) Calculate the net present value using:
(i) The number of solar RECs purchased and recorded in a GATS account multiplied by 80 percent of the compliance fee specified in Public Utilities Article, §7-705, Annotated Code of Maryland; and
(ii) The federal secondary credit interest rate in effect as of January 1 in the contract year for the discount rate; and
(c) If the supplier executes a contract directly with a Level 1 solar facility owner or designee, receive annually Tier 1 Solar RECs equal to the calculated annual output of the contracted facility used to determine the single initial payment under §C(1)(a) of this regulation; and
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.01 - General › Section 20.61.01.06 - Satisfaction of Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier shall have a calendar year renewable energy portfolio consisting of renewable energy credits associated with Tier 1 renewable sources, including the required solar renewable energy credits and the required offshore wind renewable energy credits, and Tier 2 renewable sources.
B. A supplier shall satisfy Tier 1 REC requirements by submitting to the Commission the following:
(1) A summary of RECs associated with generation from any Tier 1 renewable source, excluding RECs associated with electricity derived from solar energy and RECs associated with electricity derived from offshore wind energy;
(2) A summary of RECs associated with electricity derived from solar energy;
(3) A summary of RECs associated with electricity derived from offshore wind energy;
(4) For each REC submitted under this regulation, a copy of the REC registration with GATS or documentation of a REC authorized under COMAR 20.61.03.03; and
(5) Certification that each REC used to meet the requirements of this regulation has not expired or been retired, transferred, or redeemed.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.02 - Certifiable Renewable Energy Facilities › Section 20.61.02.01 - Application Requirements

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A renewable energy facility shall apply for certification as a Tier 1 renewable source or a Tier 2 renewable source provider on a form provided by the Commission.
B. Except as provided in §D of this regulation, the renewable energy facility application form shall include:
(1) The name and location of the renewable energy facility;
(2) The legal name of the owner of the renewable energy facility and a copy of a certificate of good standing issued by the state in which the owner's business is formed;
(3) The name of the operator of the renewable energy facility, if different than the owner;
(4) A description of the renewable energy facility technology;
(5) The rated renewable generation capacity of the facility or, where Tier 1 renewable source or Tier 2 renewable source fuel is simultaneously cofired with fossil fuels, the proportion of output per fuel type by 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) generated according to the formula on file with GATS;
(6) Documentation indicating that the renewable energy facility meets the resource eligibility criteria for Tier 1 renewable source or Tier 2 renewable source; and
(7) Certification that the applicant is substantially in compliance with all applicable environmental and administrative requirements under Public Utilities Article, §7-704, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.02 - Certifiable Renewable Energy Facilities › Section 20.61.02.02 - Renewable Energy Facility - REC Account

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Except as provided under COMAR 20.61.03.03B, a renewable energy facility or its authorized representative shall apply to PJM Environmental Information Services, Inc. to establish an account with GATS in its name not later than 30 days after Commission certification of the renewable energy facility.
B. Except as provided under COMAR 20.61.03.03B, a renewable energy facility shall maintain in good standing an account with GATS in order for a REC to be considered eligible to satisfy the renewable energy portfolio standard in Maryland.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.02 - Certifiable Renewable Energy Facilities › Section 20.61.02.03 - Obligation of Certified Renewable Energy Facility

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. After a GATS account is established, the renewable energy facility may record metered electricity generation, or its equivalent, from Tier 1 renewable sources or Tier 2 renewable sources, other than from Level 1 solar facilities, for the purpose of receiving a Maryland-eligible REC.
B. Level 1 Solar Renewable Energy Facility - Recording Renewable Energy Credits.
(1) A Level 1 solar renewable energy facility owner or designee may record electric generation into its GATS account based on the schedule established by the Commission for the facility.
(2) If a Level 1 solar renewable energy facility is unable to meet the electricity generation schedule established by the Commission, the solar facility owner or designee shall notify the Commission within 30 days of the change in status.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.02 - Certifiable Renewable Energy Facilities › Section 20.61.02.04 - Decertification

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A renewable energy facility may be decertified for any of the following:
A. Failure to comply with this chapter;
B. A material change in circumstances that causes the facility to become ineligible for certification under Regulation .01 of this chapter;
C. Fraud, including participation in events that result in a REC being double-counted; or
D. Good cause as determined by the Commission.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.03 - Renewable Energy Credit › Section 20.61.03.01 - RPS Eligible REC

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Except as provided under Regulation .03 of this chapter, a Maryland-eligible REC shall be recorded with GATS.
B. If not required by GATS, the REC recordation under §A of this regulation shall include:
(1) The name of the Maryland certified renewable energy facility;
(2) A description of the renewable source of generation for the REC;
(3) The month and year of the generation of the energy represented by the REC; and
(4) The Tier 1 renewable source or Tier 2 renewable source associated with the REC.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.03 - Renewable Energy Credit › Section 20.61.03.02 - REC Creation from Renewable On-Site Generation

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Except under §C of this regulation, a renewable on-site generator may receive a Maryland-eligible REC associated with on-site generation if:
(1) The renewable on-site generator is certified as a renewable energy facility under COMAR 20.61.02;
(2) An authorized representative of the renewable on-site generator enters its generation data at least annually in a GATS account maintained in good standing; and
(3) An authorized representative of the non-solar renewable on-site generator files a non-solar renewable on-site generator report with the Commission under §B of this regulation within 1 week of each recording with GATS.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.03 - Renewable Energy Credit › Section 20.61.03.03 - Creation of RECs Based on Generation Not Delivered Into the PJM Region

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A supplier may request recognition of a REC associated with a Tier 1 renewable source or Tier 2 renewable source not delivered into the PJM region under the following conditions:
A. The electricity is generated at a facility that has been certified by the Commission under COMAR 20.61.02;
B. One of the following:
(1) Certification by the operator of the control area in which the facility is located of the total number of megawatt-hours (MWhs) generated at the facility by month and calendar year; or
(2) If the operator of the control area is unable to make the certification under §B(2)(a) of this regulation:
(a) An affidavit from the operator of the control area attesting that the operator is unable to certify the total number of megawatt-hours generated by the named applicant facility for the specific year in question; and
(b) A certification by the applicant of the total number of megawatt-hours generated at the facility for each calendar year;
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.03 - Renewable Energy Credit › Section 20.61.03.04 - GATS - Maryland REC Designation

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
If a renewable energy facility is approved by the Commission under COMAR 20.61.02 and the facility's GATS account continues to be maintained in good standing, the renewable energy facility may achieve a Maryland designation for a Tier 1 renewable source or Tier 2 renewable source REC recorded with GATS before the Commission's approval of the facility only during the calendar year of the Commission's approval.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.03 - Renewable Energy Credit › Section 20.61.03.05 - Decertified Renewable Energy Facility

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
Any REC transferred or sold to a supplier, including a Level 1 solar REC transferred under COMAR 20.61.01.05C(1), before the date of decertification of the renewable energy facility where the REC was created shall remain Maryland-eligible.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.04 - Consumer Protection, Reporting, and Enforcement › Section 20.61.04.01 - Consumer Protection

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. A supplier shall retire one renewable energy credit for each megawatt-hour (MWh) of retail sales of electricity marketed as having characteristics of a Tier 1 renewable source or a Tier 2 renewable source.
B. A supplier contract for the sale of electricity that is marketed as renewable or having the characteristics of a Tier 1 renewable source or Tier 2 renewable source shall include:
(1) The RPS for each year covered by the contract of sale;
(2) A statement that Tier 1 renewable source or Tier 2 renewable source RECs retired may be used to meet the supplier's RPS obligation for that particular sale; and
(3) Except as provided under Public Utilities Article, §7-705(b)(1), a statement that a supplier may meet its RPS obligation by paying a compliance fee to the Fund under Public Utilities Article, §7-705(b), Annotated Code of Maryland.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.04 - Consumer Protection, Reporting, and Enforcement › Section 20.61.04.03 - REC Retirement

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A supplier shall retire from the market a REC used to meet its renewable energy portfolio standard.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.04 - Consumer Protection, Reporting, and Enforcement › Section 20.61.04.04 - Enforcement

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A supplier that violates a provision of this subtitle or a provision of the Public Utilities Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland may be subject to a fine or civil penalty.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.05 - Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund › Section 20.61.05.01 - General Provisions

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. The Administration shall administer the Fund.
B. Eligibility Criteria for Projects Supported by the Fund.
(1) Except under §B(3) of this regulation, a project supported by the Fund shall be designed to support the creation of new Tier 1 renewable energy sources in Maryland. For purposes of this section, support may include grants for workforce development programs authorized under Labor and Employment Article, §
										11-708.1(c)(1), Annotated Code of Maryland.
(2) Additional project evaluation criteria may include the following:
(a) Technical feasibility of the project;
(b) Technical capabilities and experience of the developer;
(c) Financial capabilities of the developer;
(d) Environmental impacts resulting from the construction and operation of the project;
(e) Socioeconomic impacts associated with the construction and operation of the project;
(f) Fuel diversity added to the portfolio of projects supported by the Fund as a whole;
(g) Economic feasibility of the project;
(h) Economic benefits to Maryland;
(i) Job training and workforce development opportunities associated with the project; and
(j) Other evaluation criteria as may be appropriate.
(3) Monies in the Fund derived from compliance fees collected from a shortfall in meeting the required Tier 1 solar renewable energy portfolio standard under Public Utilities Article, §7-705, Annotated Code of Maryland, shall only be designated to support the creation of Level 1 and Level 2 solar renewable energy facilities.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.05 - Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund › Section 20.61.05.02 - Annual Report to the Commission

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. The Administration shall file a report with the Commission no later than December 15 of each year, beginning December 15, 2007.
B. The report shall detail the following as of December 1 of that year:
(1) Number and types of RPS projects funded;
(2) Amount of funding provided for each RPS project;
(3) Description and status of each RPS project funded;
(4) RECs generated from RPS projects funded;
(5) Uncommitted balance of the Fund related to RPS; and
(6) Identification of loans in default related to RPS.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.06 - Offshore Wind › Section 20.61.06.01 - Application Process

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. An OSW applicant shall comply with this regulation when submitting an application to the Commission for a proposed offshore wind project.
B. Application Period.
(1) The Commission shall open an application period establishing a period of time during which persons may submit applications.
(2) Notice.
(a) The Commission shall provide notice specifying the opening and closing date and time of the application period, after which the Commission shall not accept applications or material changes to previously submitted applications and any other information Commission determines appropriate.
(b) The Commission shall provide notice at least 60 calendar days before the opening date of the application period.
(c) The Commission may provide for one or more additional application periods through a formal multi-year application schedule.
(3) The opening date of the application period shall be January 1 of a given year.
(4) The closing date of the application period shall be 120 calendar days after the opening date of the application period. The Commission may extend this closing date by one or more additional periods of 30 calendar days.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.06 - Offshore Wind › Section 20.61.06.02 - Application Requirements

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. An application shall contain at least the information and materials described in §§D through N of this regulation, but an OSW applicant may submit additional information or materials, or both. The Commission in its discretion shall determine whether the information and materials that an OSW applicant provides are sufficiently detailed to satisfy §§D through N of this regulation.
B. If an OSW applicant is unable to provide any of the information or materials described in §§D through N of this regulation at the time it submits an application, the application shall clearly identify information or materials, or both, that it is unable to provide and provide a clear plan that demonstrates how and when the OSW applicant will provide the information or materials, or both, that are unavailable before the close of the application period.
C. An OSW applicant shall submit PIA exemption requests by clearly identifying and marking the relevant portions of its application and providing justification for its PIA exemption request for each instance. An OSW applicant shall certify in its application that it will hold the Commission harmless if the Commission independently determines that one or more portions of an application subject to one or more PIA exemption requests must be disclosed under State Government Article, Title 10, Subtitle 6, Annotated Code of Maryland.
D. All graphs, charts, photographs, or other documents originally produced in color and included in the application shall be produced in color in the original and the copies. The OSW applicant shall comply with other submission requirements posted by the Commission.
E. An application shall include a signed and notarized statement by an officer of the OSW applicant attesting that:
(1) The officer has the authority to submit the application to the Commission;
(2) The application, including the proposed OREC price schedule and proposed OREC amount, shall remain binding until the expiration date;
(3) The information and materials contained in the application are accurate and correct; and
(4) If the application is selected, the OSW applicant will work diligently and engage in a continuous development and construction program to achieve the project COD for the qualified offshore wind project.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.06 - Offshore Wind › Section 20.61.06.03 - Evaluation Criteria

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. An application must demonstrate the proposed offshore wind project meets the following minimum threshold criteria, as specified:
(1) The proposed offshore wind project complies with Public Utilities Article, §7-701(k)(1) and (2), Annotated Code of Maryland;
(2) The term of the proposed OREC price schedule is not longer than 20 years, and commences no earlier than January 1, 2017 for Round 1 projects and no earlier than July 1, 2017 for Round 2 projects;
(3) The OREC price on the proposed OREC price schedule do not exceed $190 per megawatt hour in levelized 2012 dollars for Round 1 projects, as measured using a nominal discount rate equal to the long-term composite Treasury Bond rate (or equivalent) and a deflation rate equal to the near-term average GDP Deflator (or equivalent), notified by the Commission to potential OSW applicants;
(4) Demonstration that the proposed project, including the associated transmission-related interconnection facilities, will be constructed using commercially proven components and equipment available to the OSW applicant;
(5) Demonstration that the project COD is reasonable in light of the permitting, technical, construction, operational, and economic challenges generally faced by offshore wind project developers; and
(6) Evidence of site control or demonstration of a feasible plan to obtain site control.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.06 - Offshore Wind › Section 20.61.06.04 - Project Site Concerns

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
The Commission shall verify that representatives of the United States Department of Defense and the maritime industry have had the opportunity, through the federal leasing process, to express concerns regarding project siting.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.06 - Offshore Wind › Section 20.61.06.05 - Contribution to Maryland Offshore Wind Business Development Fund

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. Within 60 days after the Commission approves the application of a proposed offshore wind project, the qualified offshore wind project shall deposit $2,000,000 into the Maryland Offshore Wind Business Development Fund.
B. Within 1 year after the initial deposit under §A of this regulation, the qualified offshore wind project shall deposit an additional $2,000,000 into the Maryland Offshore Wind Business Development Fund.
C. Within 2 years after the initial deposit under §A of this regulation, the qualified offshore wind project shall deposit an additional $2,000,000 into the Maryland Offshore Wind Business Development Fund.
D. The qualified offshore wind project shall notify the Commission within 30 calendar days after each deposit due date whether timely and full payment has been made or not, and if not, an explanation for failure to make the payment.
E. Failure to make any of the payments required by §§A through C of this regulation shall be deemed a violation of the OREC order, entitling the Commission to take actions as it deems appropriate.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.06 - Offshore Wind › Section 20.61.06.06 - Compliance with Minority Business Enterprise Program

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. To the extent practicable and permitted by the United States Constitution, the qualified offshore wind project shall comply with the State's Minority Business Enterprise Program.
B. The Commission may not approve an application until the Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General, and the OSW applicant have established a clear plan for setting reasonable and appropriate minority business enterprise participation goals and procedures for each phase of the qualified offshore wind project, as required by Public Utilities Article, §7-704.1(i)(3)(i), Annotated Code of Maryland.
Code of Maryland Regulations › Title 20 - PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION › Subtitle 61 - RENEWABLE ENERGY PORTFOLIO STANDARD PROGRAM › Chapter 20.61.06 - Offshore Wind › Section 20.61.06.07 - Offshore Wind Energy Component of Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 14, July 12, 2024
A. The Commission shall establish the offshore wind energy RPS under Public Utilities Article, §7-703(b), Annotated Code of Maryland, and that determination:
(1) Shall be based on projected annual creation of ORECs by qualified offshore wind projects; and
(2) Shall be made on a forward-looking basis at least three years in advance. If the Commission issues additional OREC orders, it shall at such time adjust the offshore wind energy RPS, on a forward looking basis at least three years in advance, taking into account the number of ORECs projected to be generated by all projects. In establishing the offshore wind energy RPS, the Commission shall include a surplus determined by it in its discretion, to accommodate reasonable forecasting errors in estimating overall electricity sales in the State.