(WBFF) — In a marathon Senate hearing Monday, lawmakers spent hours debating a number of issues, including one bill related to energy planning.
The Energy Resource Adequacy and Planning Act establishes the Integrated Resource Planning Office within the Public Service Commission. The office would be required to develop a comprehensive energy forecast and conduct studies, to better provide comprehensive energy-related data and information, which can better inform lawmakers on policy decisions.
ALSO READ | Baltimore City Council starts petition to end BGE rate hikes
With expensive transmission lines on the horizon, the sponsor of the bill, Senator Katie Fry Hester, representing Howard and Montgomery Counties, said “we can’t afford not to do this because we need the expertise the office can provide to avoid future costs.”
According to information provided by the Department of Legislative Services, “special fund expenditures for PSC to establish the office increase by $7.2 million in fiscal 2026, which reflects a 90-day startup delay. This estimate reflects the cost of hiring the 20 staff as detailed above to establish the Integrated Resource Planning Office in PSC. It includes salaries, fringe benefits, one-time start-up costs, ongoing operating expenses, $2.0 million in consultant costs and $3.3 million in energy modeling.”
The costs associated with the office, ultimately will be shouldered by ratepayers.
During the debate, Senator Justin Ready, representing Carroll County and Frederick Counties, voiced concerns about the necessity of creating a new office.
“I know the intention is great and we do need coordination, but why couldn’t we beef up one of our agencies or get rid of one agency or beef another one up?” Senator Ready asked.
ALSO READ | Lawmakers and activists speak out on MPRP, ongoing energy crisis
Another concern that was brought up was the time it would take to create a new office and get the energy forecasts completed. While Sen. Hester did propose an amendment to try and address this concern, initially, it was brought up it could take up to three years to establish the office and for lawmakers to receive a report.
“It takes a long time to get this set up, and to your point this is urgent,” said Senator Stephen Hershey, representing Caroline, Cecil, Kent & Queen Anne’s Counties.
Other energy bills are set to be debated, one of which includes a bill, which would encourage more nuclear energy projects, give some projects an expedited approval process and requires that new natural gas projects be converted to a cleaner energy source when it is feasible. It could also include a rebate for ratepayers to provide a small amount of relief.
While many details have yet to be determined, Senate President Bill Ferguson, said the rebate, if passed would be based on energy usage and would likely come through two installments, one in the summer and one in the winter when energy bills are typically high.
“This will be immediate relief for ratepayers who we know are feeling it harder than ever,” Senate President Ferguson said.
However, other lawmakers have critiqued the policy, saying it may not provide the most relief to those who need it most.
“My concern is that someone in a mega mansion is going to get a whole lot of money, and someone who’s trying to pinch their pennies will get a paltry amount, but have a greater need,” said Senator Cheryl Kagan, who represents Montgomery County.