PSC grants 18-month extension to Downsville Solar 2 LLC; operational deadline moved to Jan. 14, 2027

The Public Service Commission granted Downsville Solar 2 LLC a limited waiver of COMAR 20.62.03.04(c) and extended the project’s operational deadline by 18 months to Jan. 14, 2027.

Staff summary: Michael Dean presented the staff recommendation. Dean said Downsville filed its extension request near the original operational deadline of July 14, 2025, and asked for a temporary extension to ensure the request could be considered at an administrative meeting; the commission granted a temporary extension by letter order. Dean explained that some site design and county approvals need revision because a geophysical study found significant karst/limestone‑filled areas at the site, requiring redesigns and resubmittals with Washington County. The project had paid the $100,000 deposit with Potomac Edison as required to remain in the queue after one year. Staff said good cause was shown for a limited waiver and recommended extending the deadline to Jan. 14, 2027.

Commission questions and company comments: Commissioners asked whether action would affect other projects in the queue; staff said the posted “queue” is not an ordered queue under current statute and that other projects would not be affected unless multiple projects shared a feeder or substation. Company counsel (Max Cook) and developer representative (Jesse Cutia) were present and answered questions; the applicants confirmed the site is not a brownfield but required redesign due to geological conditions.

Commission action: The commission voted to grant the limited waiver and extend the operational deadline to Jan. 14, 2027. Commissioners McLean, Linton, Sussman and Barbet recorded aye votes.

Ending: Staff recommended and the commission approved the extension to allow the developer to complete revised site work and county approvals.