Public Service Commission adopts COMAR 20.50.14 energy storage regulations (RM 80-5)

"We're here, to hopefully finally put RM 80 5 to bed," the meeting chair said as the Public Service Commission moved to adopt a package of regulations governing energy storage.

The commission voted to adopt the regulations to COMAR Title 20, Subtitle 50 (including sections 20.50.14.01 through 20.50.14.13) as published in the Maryland Register on Dec. 1, 2025, allowing non‑substantive corrections for numbering and formatting to conform to COMAR drafting requirements. The chair made the motion and directed the commission to proceed with a vote.

Michael Dean, speaking "on behalf of staff," identified staff presence for the item but offered no additional comment. A representative for Cardinal Energy Storage East told the commission they were present on behalf of the company, which the speaker described as "a subsidiary of Tonaska." No substantive objections or alternative motions were recorded.

Commissioner Linton, Commissioner Suchman and Commissioner Hoover each recorded their vote as "Aye," and the chair cast an affirmative vote. The chair declared, "The motion carries," and stated that the regulations were adopted. The meeting was adjourned immediately afterward.

The adopted package, identified in the hearing as RM 80-5, updates energy storage rules in COMAR 20.50.14 and includes a subsection covering annual reporting (20.50.14.13). The motion as stated permitted non‑substantive edits limited to numbering and formatting; no amendments or substantive changes were noted during the recorded proceedings.

Next steps were not specified in the record. The transcript contains no listed schedule for implementation or follow‑up reporting beyond the inclusion of an annual reporting subsection in the adopted regulations.