Maryland PSC approves renewable certifications, multiple tariff filings and telecom authority; DRIVE Act TOU plans continued
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Summary
The Public Service Commission unanimously approved renewable energy facility certifications, several Potomac Edison tariff updates, an energy allocation system for a Bethesda apartment complex, authority for ITG Communications and Verizon tariff changes. Commissioners took revised Pepco/Delmarva DRIVE Act TOU plans under advisement after extended questioning.
The Public Service Commission approved a series of routine filings and authorized new operations during its meeting, and deferred a longer decision on DRIVE Act time‑of‑use implementation plans.
The commission unanimously approved four renewable facility certification requests for Wisconsin Power and Light Company and one for Interstate Power and Light Company after placing the items on the consent agenda and approving the minutes from the prior meeting. Chair Barve called for objections and, seeing none, said, "The ayes have it." (The votes were recorded as unanimous.)
The commission also accepted multiple tariff filings from Potomac Edison: revisions to standard offer service rates for type‑2 customers (effective March 1), updated residential SOS rates and time‑of‑use SOS updates (both effective June 1, 2026). Commissioners recorded unanimous aye votes on each motion.
On administrative items, staff recommended approval of an energy allocation system for Saint Elmo Apartments LLC, a 276‑unit building at 4924 Saint Elmo Avenue in Bethesda; staff counsel Michael Spiegelman said the application met COMAR criteria and recommended approval. The commission voted to grant the company's request unanimously.
The commission granted operating authority and related COMAR waivers to ITG Communications LLC after staff found the applicant met the certification requirements to operate as a facilities‑based local exchange carrier in Maryland. Staff (Lily Tisca) noted ITG holds authority in other states and requested waivers to COMAR filing requirements; commissioners proceeded to a unanimous vote.
Staff (Cameron Walton) also recommended that the commission accept Verizon Maryland LLC's updated access service tariff pages to sunset certain legacy access services for new customers on Feb. 25, 2026. Walton told commissioners that only a small number of business customers are affected and that Verizon had provided notice to existing customers; commissioners accepted the filing unanimously.
The more substantive portion of the meeting focused on revised time‑of‑use implementation plans filed by the Pepco/Delmarva group (PHI). That matter generated extended discussion and was taken under advisement for further review. Chair Barve said the commission would "take this matter under advisement," signaling no immediate vote.
What happens next: For items taken under advisement, the commission and staff typically solicit additional filings or host work‑group sessions to resolve outstanding questions. In this case, staff and stakeholders said they will pursue work‑group discussions on common metrics for EM&V reporting and cost‑recovery options before the commission expects to decide the PHI requests.
