Maryland faces dire energy outlook as demand surges and power sources decline

The ECM Committee session held on January 15, 2025, focused on critical issues surrounding energy supply and reliability in Maryland. A representative from PJM Interconnection provided a stark assessment of the state's energy outlook, highlighting significant challenges that could impact residents and businesses.

The briefing emphasized that Maryland's energy situation is increasingly precarious. The representative noted that PJM, which oversees the electricity grid for a large portion of the eastern United States, has been warning for years about potential power shortages during peak demand periods. This concern is exacerbated by state and federal policies that have led to the premature retirement of power generators, coupled with a surge in energy demand driven by factors such as the rise of data centers, electrification of buildings, and the growing use of electric vehicles.

Key points from the discussion included:

1. **Energy Import Dependency**: Maryland imports approximately 40% of its energy needs from neighboring states, indicating a lack of energy independence.

2. **Loss of Power Generation**: The state is losing significant power generation sources while demand continues to rise, creating a supply-demand imbalance.

3. **Lagging Renewable Development**: Maryland is falling behind other states in the development of renewable energy resources, particularly solar and wind energy.

4. **Weak Transmission Infrastructure**: The state's high-voltage transmission system is reportedly at or near capacity, raising concerns about its ability to deliver sufficient power.

The PJM representative underscored that while their primary responsibility is to maintain system reliability, they share concerns about rising energy prices resulting from the supply-demand imbalance. The session concluded with a call for collaborative efforts to address these pressing energy challenges facing Maryland.