Committee hears bill to study Maryland's participation in PJM and alternatives after runaway capacity auction prices
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Summary
Senate Bill 92 would require studies by the PSC and MEA into Maryland's role in PJM, alternate procurement approaches and multistate coordination after large capacity‑auction price spikes; consumer advocates and the People's Counsel supported the study, citing market failures and queue problems.
Senator Shelley Hettleman introduced SB 92, asking the committee to authorize comprehensive studies of Maryland's participation in the PJM interconnection and consideration of alternatives — including requiring utilities to contract for much of their capacity via bilateral contracts or exploring fixed resource requirement alternatives and multi‑state coordination. "These studies aren't theoretical exercises," Hettleman said, arguing the recent PJM capacity auction run‑up means Maryland should examine whether other procurement options could offer more stable prices.
David Lapp of the Office of People's Counsel called PJM "failing customers" and cited data showing large increases in capacity and transmission costs that have driven higher bills; Emily Scar (consumer advocacy) and Jamie DeMarco (climate advocates) supported coordinated state action and filings at FERC. Testimony emphasized PJM queue problems and long delays for interconnection as core drivers of market dysfunction.
Committee members pressed for clarity about scope, timeline and transparency; the sponsor said the bill does not presuppose leaving PJM but would enable fact‑based discussions with other states. The committee closed the hearing after questions, directing staff to consider how studies and public participation should be structured.