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State Senator Files Comments Raising Concerns about Net Metering Rulemaking Being Paused Indefinitely
On October 13, 2026 Staite Senator Feldman filed comments regarding modifications to the net energy metering (NEM) program under the Utility Relief Act.
Among other things Senator Feldman: (1) said, “It has come to my attention… that certain renewable energy projects may be paused indefinitely owing to the uncertainty of whether they will remain eligible for the current program, especially in view of the fact that until the framework for a successor program is established, it is unclear what incentives will be available in the solar development market,” including solar development projects that “are government-sponsored and supported with local and State funding”; and (2) requested that the Maryland PSC “fully evaluate how the aforementioned uncertainty will impact the solar development market and consider its options to limit disruptions to clean energy generation deployment in the state.”
On October 6, 2026 MEA filed comments requesting reconsideration of adoption of regulations for publication. Among other things, MEA: (1) requested MDPSC “reconsider the portion of the proposed regulatory alterations to COMAR 20.50.10.01 pertaining to the grandfathering of renewable energy projects into the current net metering scheme,” for which MDPSC adopted “Version 2,” which “would require permission to operate… by the July 1, 2027 deadline in order to access the current” scheme; (2) noted the support of a range of parties, including itself and Staff, for “Version 1,” which “would permit grandfathering… to be marked by the time at which a customer generator submits an interconnection application”; and (3) argued that Version 2 “will predictably lead to a period of time in which the development of solar, and specifically behind-the-meter solar, will slow considerably, or be stalled altogether while new net metering incentives are developed under PC 78,” which is clearly contrary to the purpose of the statute under interpretation.
Additional parties filed comments on Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA) draft proposed order (PO) directing electric utilities to comply with 50% interconnection deposit requirement under Utility RELIEF Act. OneEnergy Development supported the PO; and (2) Staff recommended MDPSC adopt the PO with only a minor clarificatory amendment.
As background, based on the work done in the Net Metering Working Group (NMWG), Maryland PSC Staff has proposed rules governing the community solar pilot program enacted by the state legislature earlier this year.
