Maryland House Bill HB68

Maryland 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23

Caption

Electricity – Net Energy Metering – Accrual of Net Excess Generation (Net Metering Flexibility Act)

Impact

The bill will directly affect Maryland's electricity regulations and the financial arrangements between energy suppliers and consumers with renewable energy systems. By permitting the indefinite accrual of net excess generation credits, customer-generators could benefit from a more favorable financial framework. This would incentivize households and businesses to invest in renewable energy solutions like solar panels or wind systems, leading to potential long-term reductions in energy costs and a decrease in reliance on traditional fossil fuel sources.

Summary

House Bill 68, titled the Net Metering Flexibility Act, aims to modify the existing net energy metering framework in Maryland by allowing eligible customer-generators the option to accrue net excess generation indefinitely. Under the current system, any excess energy generated beyond what is consumed by the customer-generator must be settled within a certain billing cycle. This bill introduces greater flexibility in how and when customer-generators can utilize their excess energy production, potentially leading to increased adoption of renewable energy technologies among consumers.

Contention

Debate surrounding the bill is likely to focus on the implications of changed billing practices for energy companies versus the benefits to consumers aspiring towards greener energy solutions. Proponents argue that the bill will encourage renewable energy adoption and simplify the process for customer-generators, while detractors may raise concerns about the financial viability for electric companies and their ability to integrate these changes into existing infrastructure without incurring losses.