Legislation would require PSC to produce full system cost and benefits analysis of electricity sources

Delegate Todd B. Morgan told the committee that HB 674 would require the Public Service Commission to deliver a comprehensive levelized full‑system cost and benefit analysis of electricity generation sources — including intermittency, backup and integration costs — to provide the General Assembly with broader data than standard levelized cost of energy metrics.

Business, farming and research witnesses largely supported the study as a tool to inform future policy, urging clear definitions and inclusion of solar and other resources. The Maryland Chamber asked that solar be included; industry witnesses emphasized that the study should be technology‑agnostic and that robust modeling tools and consultants would be required. Alex Pavlak and Ben Baker (PSC) said the commission would need outside consultants and specialized modeling to run dispatch and reliability scenarios; PSC estimated consultant costs and advised adding definitions for "levelized full system cost."

Committee members debated whether another study is necessary given existing analyses and whether results (due by Dec. 1, 2027 in sponsor's description) could influence near‑term reliability concerns. PSC said the study would be a longitudinal planning tool rather than a short‑term fix. The committee concluded HB 674 testimony after a broad panel of supportive stakeholders and PSC staff comments.