Maryland

In April, 2021, the Maryland General Assembly passed House Bill 768—Montgomery County Community Choice Energy Pilot Program, that will give Montgomery County the authority to implement an opt-out Community Choice Energy program.

In March, 2020, the Maryland House of Delegates passed HB 561 that requires state agencies to draft rules allowing local communities to negotiate directly with energy utilities to set strong renewable energy goals and lower electricity rates. The COVID pandemic forced the General Assembly to end its session early.

Maryland lawmakers passed HB 768 in April, 2021, that will allow a community choice energy pilot program in Montgomery County in the 2021 legislative session. As stipulated in the bill, the County may not establish the pilot program earlier than April 2023. Over the next two years, the County plans to develop an implementation plan and also will participate in a Public Service Commission workgroup that will develop the regulatory framework for the pilot.

The County Council also must pass local authorizing legislation for the CCA and the County will conduct extensive outreach during development to ensure the community is aware of the program's values and that special attention is given to the needs to vulnerable communities.