Public Service Commission adopts permanent community solar regulations

The Maryland Public Service Commission voted to finally adopt a set of permanent community solar regulations, transitioning rules that had governed the community solar pilot into a permanent regulatory framework published in the Maryland Register on Dec. 13, 2024.

Commission technical staff presented the package and recommended adoption. Annette Carafel, speaking on behalf of commission technical staff along with Philip VanderHayden, told the commission, “Staff supports final adoption of the regulations,” and said VanderHayden would be available for technical questions.

Chair Hoover moved to adopt the draft regulations “as published in the Maryland Register on 12/13/2024 inclusive of any non substantive changes necessary to conform to COMAR drafting requirements.” The motion listed multiple COMAR citations in the 20.62 series that will govern the permanent community solar program. No members of the public rose to offer comment before the vote.

Commissioner Sutchman voted “Aye.” Commissioner Barbee voted “Aye.” Commissioner Richard voted “Aye.” Chair Hoover recorded his vote in the affirmative as well. The commission adopted the regulations.

The adopted citations named in the motion include COMAR 20.62.02, COMAR 20.62.03, COMAR 20.62.04, and related sections in the COMAR 20.62 series as published. The motion also allowed for nonsubstantive drafting changes required to conform to COMAR formatting standards.

Commission staff said Mr. VanderHayden would be available for follow-up technical questions; the commission did not direct additional study or amendments at the meeting. The action completes the formal rulemaking step to implement permanent regulations that replace the temporary rules used during the pilot community solar program.

A complete verbatim list of the COMAR citations was read into the record as part of the motion and is recorded in the meeting transcript.