Maryland 2025 Regular Session

Maryland Senate Bill SB1022

Introduced
2/14/25  
Refer
2/14/25  

Caption

Community Solar Energy Generating Systems - Subscription Eligibility

Impact

The legislation addresses existing limitations that prevent LMI subscribers from benefiting fully from community solar programs. Under the current framework, subscribers were often confined to systems within their home service territory, restricting their options and ability to gain from solar energy. The bill mandates that these subscribers receive the same bill credit value regardless of their geographic location concerning the solar farm, thereby leveling the playing field for participants. This is particularly important for residents in areas where community solar projects are scarce.

Summary

Senate Bill 1022 aims to enhance access to community solar energy generating systems by allowing low-income and moderate-income (LMI) subscribers to hold subscriptions even if these systems are located in a different electric service territory than their residence. This change is designed to increase participation among underserved communities and ensure equitable access to renewable energy resources. By expanding eligibility, the bill seeks to promote community solar initiatives as a viable option for individuals who face economic barriers to accessing solar energy.

Contention

While the bill is generally supported for its inclusive approach toward renewable energy access, potential concerns may arise regarding the implementation of the new regulations. Opponents may argue that allowing cross-territory subscriptions introduces complexity into the billing and crediting processes of electric companies. There may also be discussions around the administrative burden placed on the Public Service Commission, which is tasked with establishing guidelines for the exchange of community solar bill credits between systems in different territories. Proponents counter that the benefits of increasing access to green energy far outweigh these challenges, particularly for low-income residents.

Implementation

Senate Bill 1022 will require careful legislative oversight as it progresses through its implementation phase, scheduled to take effect on October 1, 2025. Stakeholders, including electric companies, community solar developers, and subscriber organizations, will need to navigate the new rules while working within existing frameworks to facilitate this transition. The goal remains to enrich the energy landscape by ensuring that renewable resources are both accessible and beneficial across diverse economic strata.

Companion Bills

MD HB1233

Crossfiled Community Solar Energy Generating Systems - Subscription Eligibility

Previously Filed As

MD HB908

Electricity - Community Solar Energy Generating Systems Program and Property Taxes

MD SB613

Electricity - Community Solar Energy Generating Systems Program and Property Taxes

MD SB640

Property Tax Exemption for Community Solar Energy Generating Systems - Limitation on Generating Capacity - Alteration

MD HB361

Property Tax Exemption for Community Solar Energy Generating Systems - Limitation on Generating Capacity - Alteration

MD HB1435

Renewable Energy - Net Energy Metering Aggregation, Solar Renewable Energy Credits, and Taxes on Solar Energy Generating Systems (Brighter Tomorrow Act)

MD SB143

Electricity - Net Energy Metering and Virtual Net Energy Metering - Accrual of Net Excess Generation (Net Metering Flexibility Act)

MD SB783

Public Utilities - Solar Energy Systems and Programs, Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund, and Prevailing Wage (Brighter Tomorrow Act)

MD SB416

Renewable Energy - Customer-Sited Solar Program

MD HB258

Renewable Energy - Customer-Sited Solar Program

MD HB1099

Electricity - Solar Energy Generating Stations - Fire Suppression

Similar Bills

CA SB704

Telecommunications: Moore Universal Telephone Service Act.

MD HB908

Electricity - Community Solar Energy Generating Systems Program and Property Taxes

MD SB613

Electricity - Community Solar Energy Generating Systems Program and Property Taxes

CA AB2316

Public Utilities Commission: customer renewable energy subscription programs and the community renewable energy program.

CO SB207

Access to Distributed Generation

CT HB07087

An Act Concerning Community Solar Energy Generating Systems.

VA HB1853

Public utilities; shared solar, minimum bill.

CT SB00003

An Act Concerning Consumer Protection.