[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6477299,"mediaKeyId","5711834-1592bd3079b0a5bb365ce77a58ad6cf5","parentId",5711834,"title","Stakeholders press PSC on aggregators, equity, measurement and scale for DRIVE Act pilots","audioSeconds",636,"startMs",9229000,"endMs",9865000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711834-1592bd3079b0a5bb365ce77a58ad6cf5&start=9229&end=9865","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711834-1592bd3079b0a5bb365ce77a58ad6cf5/thumbnail_9229000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6477299/Maryland/Stakeholders-press-PSC-on-aggregators-equity-measurement-and-scale-for-DRIVE-Act-pilots","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477299-b49ddc1045d333ec773ab1820b357b31/orig.mp4?Expires=1770545761&Signature=gFyYT2MFRBUc---yqvSF97ufvDRwUj6HGzWV76UkNNYFek6RNXDZ-EopjH6UVzy2J5OD-1hbpsSfjEa0zshqbAYG5KwZskWgTcun7f-0WoTjpUxvR1eUROMPt9lOEA08e6OdyTfrEdN7NRaSu3O~a9VjIBUG7EFE2e1QOTgvF2ymuYlZPCTHe-nAkATB0LrQDK~odzkYp5zdDPGLXZl7g4sAbXkEA-eoNVYzYg0~GnPMqh7s-2G623JXZQO2Vxv8ah83-Flm-XOS-iD9wKa7Kk6pMnCQDe3EAqR3dXkUnryuZwGt7KVOJDcInFPqJwTxg0OWRQdENZMtrkCRdLTHGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Public Service Commission, MD","date","2025-09-03T21:54:16Z","article","At a Maryland Public Service Commission hearing on utility DRIVE Act filings, a broad group of stakeholders — trade associations, manufacturers, clean energy organizations, aggregators and the Office of People’s Counsel — urged the regulator to strengthen pilot design by clarifying aggregator roles, equity provisions for low‑ and moderate‑income customers, measurement and verification (M&V) standards, and the path to scale.

What stakeholders said: Solar United Neighbors, Sunrun, Tesla, Advanced Energy United and WeaveGrid supported swift pilot deployment but urged standardization across utilities for event notice, performance thresholds and compensation mechanics. Tesla and Sunrun urged explicit authorization of export (grid injection) for batteries paired with solar, noting many existing systems already export under interconnection terms. Solar and consumer groups pressed for concrete LMI strategies — including upfront incentives, leasing/third‑party ownership models and targeted outreach — so underbanked households can participate.

CPower and other aggregators argued commercial/industrial (C&I) customers represent a large, readily‑available pool of megawatts and should not be excluded; they said inclusion would accelerate procurement of capacity and non‑wires solutions and reduce the need for costly transmission and distribution upgrades.

The Office of People’s Counsel and technical experts recommended that the utilities refile proposals with additional detail on goals, M&V metrics and commitments to enable third‑party aggregators in a competitive marketplace, rather than approving the filings as submitted. Staff recommended more frequent reporting, closer PC‑44 collaboration on TOU marketing and evaluation, and that utilities file additional DERMS/AMI implementation reports required by prior PSC orders before broad approval.

Why it matters: The DRIVE Act envisions a marketplace of aggregators and DERs delivering distribution‑level services. Stakeholders warned that without clearer rules governing aggregator access, data transparency and equitable access, pilots risk producing limited or non‑transferable learnings. Several parties proposed standard program elements — 24‑hour event notice, 75–80% performance thresholds, explicit $/kW benchmarks — to reduce customer confusion and create a more competitive market for DER aggregation.

Next steps: The PSC and staff are expected to weigh whether to accept the utilities’ filings as filed, direct additional reporting and condition approval on clearer M&V, aggregator access and LMI protections, or require refiling with the revised commitments stakeholders seek.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","9761 Drive Act Hearings - 09/03/2025","oneSentenceSummary","Industry groups, consumer advocates and state agencies urged the Public Service Commission to clarify aggregator participation, LMI inclusion, measurement & verification standards, and whether and how pilots should scale to include commercial/industrial customers and grid injection.","taxTitle","Public Service Commission, Independent Agencies, Organizations, Executive, Maryland","taxId",80344,"location","Maryland","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6477303,"Potomac Edison seeks limited two‑year BYOD pilot and TOU meters for customers lacking AMI",248,10812000,11060000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711834-1592bd3079b0a5bb365ce77a58ad6cf5&start=10812&end=11060","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711834-1592bd3079b0a5bb365ce77a58ad6cf5/thumbnail_10812000.jpg","/articles/6477303/Maryland/Potomac-Edison-seeks-limited-twoyear-BYOD-pilot-and-TOU-meters-for-customers-lacking-AMI","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477303-0ff5c31acfa624cdfc2aa0f9a2855c78/orig.mp4?Expires=1770545761&Signature=kpctori3eqnqcuXOnagpSGMZm1QJqbkaFeF9p98REwR~XERzZKRvF8aQmWVLggalMprXweIFNH6BgJ~7vxJ1Vdt6znCJpwYpjFhbg3S8Ubuh43aG2DIT01OPFX7qdCjMvUC3ktNisI49851uo0dgBqyMCXyuFGumtBcXCmwOVvgdUha8dNfodMvTSVLFt1GzbfE4ezst2Ha2nXcIZiy32uvVqpnAEBATseWhEATi2VL9UQDogYgsQ5XvNBM3x74jfl8IClbGbooeEnn01wG-gYtznQC4Q0JD1UWkNABu4PQEDiHPzfOHal2im64F~Bw1k9GINBGS5aSYj2rzg4x4dw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Potomac Edison told the Public Service Commission it will pursue a two‑year virtual power plant pilot under the DRIVE Act focused on residential customers with batteries and bidirectional EVs, and a companion time‑of‑use schedule tailored for a service area that lacks full AMI metering.

Potomac Edison said its VPP pilot is deliberately modest in size — 300 enrolled customers — aimed at testing device visibility, event participation and customer retention. The company proposed a two‑part enrollment payment (annual connectivity incentive plus a performance incentive of up to $300 per kilowatt per year) with a performance floor (participants earning full payment if they meet 75% of dispatch hours).

Because Potomac Edison has limited AMI coverage, the company proposed installing simple binary interval metering for participating TOU customers and emphasized an evaluation plan tied to event performance rather than continuous 24‑hour telemetry. The company also recommended a surcharge to recover incremental pilot and TOU implementation costs and indicated it will consult the PC‑44 TOU work group on evaluation metrics.

Why it matters: Potomac Edison serves customers in parts of Maryland where AMI penetration is limited; its approach tests lower‑touch, lower‑cost metering solutions while seeking results on customer engagement that could be used to inform larger programs. Staff supported deferring detailed tariff decisions and recommended Potomac Edison work with the PC‑44 TOU group on M&V and nonresidential SOS rate issues.

Key details: Potomac Edison’s proposed pilot budget supports recruitment, outside services (a third‑party implementer/DERM provider), and limited FTE additions; the company expects to file a surcharge tariff within 60 days of a commission order to recover pilot expenses. The utility said the BYOD model reduces upfront subsidy requirements and positions the company to learn how to integrate third‑party implementers with internal processes.

Stakeholder feedback and next steps: Intervenors and staff asked for clearer plans on third‑party implementer selection, reporting cadence, and how the pilot would avoid creating stranded costs if the resources must be continued after the pilot period. Staff recommended a surcharge approach for Potomac Edison’s recovery mechanism and asked the company to work with the PC‑44 work group and provide detailed evaluation proposals.","Potomac Edison proposed a two‑year BYOD virtual power plant pilot targeting about 300 residential customers and a simple metered TOU option for non‑AMI territory, asking for a surcharge to recover program costs.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6477308,"Pepco and Delmarva propose three‑year VPP pilots and expanded TOU outreach; seek regulatory asset recovery",1062,7591000,8653000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711834-1592bd3079b0a5bb365ce77a58ad6cf5&start=7591&end=8653","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711834-1592bd3079b0a5bb365ce77a58ad6cf5/thumbnail_7591000.jpg","/articles/6477308/Maryland/Pepco-and-Delmarva-propose-threeyear-VPP-pilots-and-expanded-TOU-outreach-seek-regulatory-asset-recovery","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477308-4e7737ffa04fb60d9566d03883fc2eeb/orig.mp4?Expires=1770545761&Signature=TBXwBfUTnrRa2LH-zruA9H~r9L90TD7l7bf5C0en7WMxj68bFG3qhz1jdLNFocBCBp077TGqQWQOsrut5EcE3tQYB0s2rEPT4nwFVio02jRZ9dcACMubNa80H2x8hClg2Khv4lFq0c4tquYQH3v8WkdYcnqAvHV2Zly6uWqkFFNUZu5TW6kGcr6JfouJZttl3Wi1tFhmSm4szUy3DLmLc9mRFoTFXoqvtpWr4NPyZ9f3tXyPtJE-W2VRCRxafBYl55JWxjBDt3pjaqabAO6jGMpoiXWproHWsAJxUf3ltA9XZlYqxB58AmrZEwnb2PB-F80rkk2zTgmTqGEgUqxr6g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Pepco Holdings Inc. told the Maryland Public Service Commission that its Pepco and Delmarva Power companies plan three‑year virtual power plant pilots and updated time‑of‑use (TOU) offerings designed to test pay‑for‑performance compensation, customer outreach and an eventual transition to programmatic grid services.

Pepco and Delmarva said their combined pilots are built around a BYOD model for residential batteries and bidirectional EVs, with an initial system goal of roughly 2.6 megawatts of peak load reduction and a customer enrollment target in the thousands. Eric Moberg, manager of strategic programs for Pepco Holdings, described a pilot design that offers $300 per kilowatt of nominated capacity, plus validation credits and a performance threshold (minimum 80% event participation) to earn full compensation.

Why it matters: Pepco Holdings’ pilots would be among the most ambitious in Maryland in terms of targeted enrollments and planned incentives. The companies presented pay‑for‑performance numbers they said were benchmarked against other U.S. utilities and argued the pilots are necessary to generate data on customer recruitment, measurement & verification (M&V), operational integration and the potential to stack grid value streams beyond peak shaving.

Key features and questions: The companies plan a three‑year timeline, a third‑party implementer selected through an RFP to manage enrollment, dispatch and analytics, and an explicit pledge to explore export (grid injection) over the pilot period. Pepco and Delmarva said they expect to begin pilot development now, with ramping enrollment over first and second years and a final report in 2027.

The utilities asked regulators to authorize recovery of incremental pilot costs through a regulatory asset included in rate base; company witnesses argued traditional cost recovery is necessary to avoid discouraging investment in program development. Staff and some intervenors pushed back, recommending that questions about a return on a regulatory asset be addressed in a future base rate case and that any deferred costs be reviewed for prudence.

Stakeholder concerns at the hearing included: (1) the relative size of Pepco/Delmarva marketing budgets compared with earlier TOU pilots, (2) whether pilot designs will permit fair access to low‑ and moderate‑income customers, (3) whether the pilot design will enable multiple third‑party aggregators to participate, and (4) how to measure and verify performance without consistent AMI/DERMS coverage. Pepco and Delmarva said they will coordinate with the PC‑44 TOU work group on marketing and evaluation and plan targeted outreach and analytics tools for enrollment.

Next steps: Staff recommended deferring determinations about inclusion of a regulatory return for deferred pilot costs until future rate proceedings while permitting deferral of incremental implementation costs. The commission and stakeholders will consider additional clarifications on marketing budgets, M&V, and how the pilot would scale to include commercial/industrial customers and third‑party aggregators.","Pepco Holdings (Pepco and Delmarva) presented three‑year DRIVE Act pilots that aim to recruit thousands of residential devices and pay for performance at roughly $300 per kW; the utilities asked for regulatory asset treatment of costs and outlined a third‑party implementer model to run the VPPs.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6477313,"Baltimore Gas & Electric proposes two‑year VPP pilot and TOU refinements under DRIVE Act",1380,167000,1547000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5711834-1592bd3079b0a5bb365ce77a58ad6cf5&start=167&end=1547","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5711834-1592bd3079b0a5bb365ce77a58ad6cf5/thumbnail_167000.jpg","/articles/6477313/Maryland/Baltimore-Gas-Electric-proposes-twoyear-VPP-pilot-and-TOU-refinements-under-DRIVE-Act","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6477313-dcdc8e66901750a585668469a0f88787/orig.mp4?Expires=1770545761&Signature=HSjvnoa9Zy2MG35NZ6h8YKgiXqtBJhZAbQLG32eu4-cWEkJe8F7iJBRBi7KBUZy1ad1WlsKDNL96NosIwyr3Ri58kENXUvAu7OZK6MNMQRc5RaCUfFHDd~X5ifT19uJnFWxdFqsS2MbNC-HGIGPGfBV3qgCVQb-FMAvtKBSC6m-k2NwfwOtCevsK1EmPea7VqXjH8RFhgv2Q8zrxh0sZpR9Z95sZAdG6NgNVnixalpmWwDkNBgGEPua4o-OkxRWcRe3lCykDO~lpLCeCBmp3X0WVSe0gpTj7f76e~2BJjwgcDJDMWu-sdLGPgH2kC~v4ygJnBeGu5D-tKbA~kXlxSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Baltimore Gas & Electric Co. (BGE) told the Maryland Public Service Commission at a DRIVE Act implementation hearing that it is seeking approval for a two‑year virtual power plant (VPP) pilot focused on residential customers and updated time‑of‑use (TOU) offerings.

BGE presented the VPP as a “software‑driven network of distributed resources” the company said could act “like a flexible power station” by aggregating customer‑side devices — batteries, solar‑plus‑storage and bidirectional electric vehicles — to reduce system peaks and provide other grid services. Amy Chandler, senior manager of transportation electrification and load management at BGE, said the utility’s proposal is “rooted in pay for performance.”

The company proposed a BYOD (bring‑your‑own‑device) approach, a flat pay‑for‑performance incentive of up to $100 per month per enrolled device and a two‑year pilot timeline intended to produce learnings for a future, larger program. Kevin Knight, load management manager, said the pilot would prioritize residential enrollments and aim to recruit existing devices rather than subsidize new hardware. Lynn Fiery, speaking for BGE on TOU, said the utility plans to streamline and strengthen customer signals in legacy TOU schedules and “double” residential TOU participation over time.

Why it matters: The DRIVE Act directs investor‑owned utilities to file proposals that advance customer aggregation, peak reduction and pilot testing of grid services. BGE sought authority to defer incremental implementation costs to a regulatory asset and recover them in a future base rate case, asking the commission to treat the deferred costs under the standard ratemaking framework. John Frane, BGE director of regulatory strategy and revenue policy, said the company was asking for “traditional cost recovery” and argued utilities cannot implement programs at scale without established recovery mechanisms.

Key details: BGE said its VPP pilot will (1) enroll residential customers with batteries, solar‑plus‑storage or bidirectional EVs; (2) use device nameplate and reasonable performance assumptions to calculate payments; (3) emphasize ease‑of‑use to reduce opt‑outs; and (4) collect device‑level and AMI data to measure performance. BGE also stated its pilot will allow export where interconnection and net‑metering terms permit and that the pilot design could be iterated and scaled into a permanent program.

Questions and concerns raised at the hearing included how the pilot will be targeted to locations where distribution upgrades could be deferred, whether differing incentives should be available by location, how aggregators or third‑party implementers will be selected, and why BGE did not include a specific low‑ and moderate‑income (LMI) incentive in its initial filing. Commissioner Suchman urged earlier, more active feeder‑level targeting, and BGE officials said they are coordinating with capacity planning teams and expect to test locational targeting in the pilot period.

Context and next steps: BGE’s filing aligns with the DRIVE Act’s objectives but drew requests from commissioners and intervenors for more granular commitments on locational targeting, LMI outreach and public reporting. Staff and other stakeholders asked for clear metrics and data access arrangements to permit independent verification of pilot performance. MEA representatives said the state’s energy office is open to using grant resources and other tools to amplify equitable participation.

BGE asked the commission to approve its pilot so it could proceed with RFPs, customer outreach and a program launch timeline intended to meet statutory reporting deadlines and feed learnings into future program design.","Baltimore Gas & Electric asked the Public Service Commission to approve a two‑year bring‑your‑own‑device virtual power plant pilot and updates to its time‑of‑use portfolio, seeking traditional regulatory cost recovery and proposing a $100 monthly pay‑for‑performance payment per enrolled device.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Stakeholders press PSC on aggregators, equity, measurement and scale for DRIVE Act pilots

Potomac Edison seeks limited two‑year BYOD pilot and TOU meters for customers lacking AMI

Pepco and Delmarva propose three‑year VPP pilots and expanded TOU outreach; seek regulatory asset recovery

Baltimore Gas & Electric proposes two‑year VPP pilot and TOU refinements under DRIVE Act