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Potomac Edison granted extension for Phase 1 EV program after consumer raises cost concerns
Summary
The Maryland Public Service Commission granted Potomac Edison's request to extend its Phase 1 electric-vehicle program to Dec. 31, 2026, authorizing continued time-of-use rates and noting a requested $715,000 maintenance budget increase; an EV driver told the commission he found a NEVI-funded site charging 61¢/kWh and asked about vendor follow-ups.
The Maryland Public Service Commission on Nov. 25, 2025, granted Potomac Edison Company's request to extend its Phase 1 electric-vehicle programs until Dec. 31, 2026, or until the commission issues a Phase 2 order. Staff recommended the extension, noting Potomac Edison's maintenance program met uptime requirements and that an extension avoids the need to renegotiate right-of-way agreements with MDOT while the commission considers Phase 2.
Staff told commissioners that Potomac Edison sought authorization to extend time-of-use rates and requested a $715,000 budget increase to maintain the public charger maintenance program through 2026. The staff presentation said Potomac Edison was the only participating utility to meet the statutory 97% uptime requirement throughout 2025.
Lanny Hartman, an EV driver and active member of the EV working group, spoke during public comment and said he was "concerned about the expense of EV charging ultimately." Hartman said he checked a recently opened NEVI-funded site in Western Maryland and that the price "is 61¢ per kilowatt hour." He asked whether vendor responses to previous information requests had been filed with the commission; staff and Potomac Edison representatives indicated they were not aware of a response from the vendor (Charger Help) and suggested they would follow up.
Jessica Raba, representing Potomac Edison, said the one-year extension request was driven in part by right-of-way requirements with MDOT that limit how long MDOT will grant site access without current commission authority. "So it's really, because of the right of way agreements that we have to negotiate with MDOT," Raba said, adding that without a Phase 2 order the company would have to return to the commission to renegotiate those agreements.
Commissioners voted to grant the extension and related authorizations; recorded votes were unanimous in favor. The commission did not adopt any additional conditions on the extension at the Nov. 25 meeting. Next steps identified in discussion included staff and company follow-up on outstanding vendor information requested in earlier comments and consideration of Phase 2 proposals.
