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PSC Seeks Comments on Distributed Energy Resources Report
On July 12, 2026 the Maryland PSC issued a notice for comments on UBCA Work Group Phase II, Part 1 report. Comments on the Unified Benefit Cost Analysis (UBCA) Framework for Distributed Energy Resources Phase II, Part 1 report that were filed on July 7, 2026.
Chapter 4 of the report presents detailed recommendations for methods that may be used to estimate more than two dozen impacts included in the MD-UBCA Test. The chapter also addresses the expected timeline by which each recommended method could be universally applied to DER BCAs in the state – immediate, medium-term (6-12 months), or longer-term (2-3 years) – and provides recommendations for interim approaches where immediate implementation is not feasible. The chapter summarizes key considerations, stakeholder feedback, and areas of consensus and non-consensus.
Tables ES-1, ES-2 and ES-3 below summarize the methods recommended in Chapter 4 for estimating MD-UBCA Test impacts, i.e., electric utility and gas utility system impacts, other fuel impacts, host customer impacts, and various societal impacts. Each table identifies:
- The relative importance of each impact to DER cost-effectiveness determinations · The level of cost and effort required to apply the recommended method, and
- The expected timeline for statewide implementation.
Chapter 4 also establishes the distinction between system-wide and locational (project specific) analysis. Subsection 4.2.4 distinguishes three scenarios:
- System-wide DER initiatives,
- Targeted but not project-specific DER initiatives, and
- Non-wires solutions (“NWS”) or non-pipe solutions (“NPS”) in specific locations.
Comments on the report are due by August 12, 2026.
