PSC extends Bonova Solar Energy Center operational deadline to Feb. 18, 2026

The Public Service Commission on July 16, 2025 granted a limited waiver extending the operational deadline for the Bonova Solar Energy Center to Feb. 18, 2026.

Commissioners debated whether the project’s slot in the utility queue had been reassigned after an earlier 12‑month waiver and pressed staff and the developer for evidence of progress before approving a second extension without a fee.

The issue centered on a waiver request from the developer for additional time to complete a community solar project. Commissioner Litton asked staff whether capacity that had been assigned to the Bonova project during the first 12‑month extension had been reallocated or remained with the project. Michael Dean, a staff representative, said that, "as long as the total capacities have not been exceeded, it remains on the queue" and that an electric company removes a project only when its operational deadline has been exceeded without a granted waiver.

Litton also asked about the fee the developer paid for the first 12‑month waiver. Counsel for the developer, Max Cook, told the commission he believed the initial fee totaled about $80,000; Dean confirmed the filing lists $80,000 for the earlier waiver. Dean also told the commission, "There are no fees involved in obtaining the good cause waivers" when asked whether the second waiver would incur a fee.

Commissioners pressed the developer for evidence the project was advancing. Cook said the company had completed racking and that "modules are about 95% installed" and that nearly all electrical work was complete; he said the project owner and the utility had recently discussed energization and were optimistic about a late‑fall or winter in‑service date, though the developer's request extends the deadline to Feb. 18, 2026.

Commissioner Litton and other commissioners asked staff and the developer to maintain communications with technical staff and to provide significant updates, saying they wanted assurances the project would not return requesting additional waivers. Chair moved to grant the waiver and extend the operational deadline. The motion passed with recorded aye votes from Commissioner McLean, Commissioner Litton, Commissioner Sussman and Commissioner Barbay and the chair voting aye.

The commission’s action cited COMAR 20.62.03.04(C) in granting the limited waiver and extending the operational deadline. Commissioners noted broader industry pressures, including federal tax‑credit timing, but the commission’s approval was based on the project’s documented progress and the staff recommendation.

The commission did not adopt other conditions beyond the waiver; commissioners directed the company to stay in contact with technical staff to report significant milestones ahead of the Feb. 18, 2026 deadline.