Regulatory Body: Maryland Public Service Commission

Legislative and Regulatory Activities
The EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act (SB 205) was enacted in 2008, which authorizes the PSC to require utilities to implement AMI and smart grid components that are cost-effective in reducing consumption and peak demand. The Act requires a 15% reduction in consumption and peak demand by 2015. 

Before the enactment of the Act, the PSC had investigated AMI and had decided not to order its deployment. 

In 2009 Baltimore Gas and Electric applied for an extended project to install up to 2 million smart meters with dynamic pricing. The PSC approved the program but denied cost-recovery. 

PEPCO and Delmarva submitted a joint AMI proposal, and the PSC approved the consumer education component of the proposal (Phase I), but the remaining portions of the proposal is still pending. Allegheny Power through Potomac Edison Company has developed an Advanced Utility Infrastructure pilot project, now pending before the PSC.

Cost Recovery
The PSC is authorized to adopt rate-making policies that provide cost recovery (MD Code 7-211). In 2009 Orders related to the EmPower MD programs (Cases 9153-9157) the Commission required utilities to present tariff revisions in two alternative forms: one in which 2009 program costs are expensed, and another in which all program costs, including start-up costs, are amortized over five years. The Commission stated it would determine the appropriate cost recovery when it approved the utilities' tariff revisions.

Investor-Owned Utilities

• Baltimore Gas and Electric Company
• Delmarva Power & Light Company
• Potomac Electric Power Company
• The Potomac Edison Company (Allegheny Energy)