Delegate Charcutian’s ACE Act would boost in‑state solar and battery storage, recycle ACP funds for rate relief

Delegate Lorig Charcutian told the Economic Matters Committee she is seeking a favorable report on House Bill 398, the Abundant Affordable Clean Energy Act (ACE Act), which she described as a package to expand in‑state solar and battery storage, support relicensing of Calvert Cliffs nuclear, and protect ratepayers.

"This bill creates a market for battery storage," Charcutian said, describing provisions she and stakeholders drafted over months to deploy storage and solar projects in Maryland while placing limits and protections on rate impacts. The sponsor and several witnesses told the committee the bill aims to address resource‑adequacy and peak‑demand issues without exposing residents to open‑ended cost increases.

Why it matters: Supporters said the bill targets the timing problem on the grid — electricity is sometimes plentiful and cheap at night or when solar is producing but scarce during daytime peaks — and that…