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Montgomery County public hearing highlights local push for community choice aggregation
Summary
Supporters told the County Council that expedited bill 27-25 would let the county purchase cleaner electricity at scale; some business representatives warned about opt-out enrollment and small-commercial impacts. No council vote was taken; the public hearing closed.
Montgomery County Council held a public hearing Sept. 9 on expedited bill 27-25, a measure that would establish a county-run community choice aggregation (CCA) program to allow the county to become the default electricity supplier for residents and small businesses while utilities continue to handle delivery, billing and maintenance.
Supporters said the program would increase the share of renewable energy in local electricity supply and help the county meet its climate goals; opponents representing some commercial property owners warned that using opt-out enrollment for small commercial accounts could cause administrative burdens or higher costs for businesses.
The bill would formally establish a CCA pursuant to enabling legislation passed by the Maryland General Assembly in 2021 and place oversight with the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, according to testimony.
Sarah Kogelsmucker, climate change officer for…
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