Maryland Environment and Transportation Committee - Bill Hearing, March 3, 2026

Former FERC Chairman Willie Phillips delivered powerful testimony in support of Maryland’s HB1190 (https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB1190?ys=2026rs), a bill which would bring “Consumer Regulated Electricity” (CRE) to the state.

Chairman Phillips said, “I speak in favor of it of it on the merits, not just as good policy, energy policy, because it addresses a genuine gap in the Maryland regulatory structure. This gap pertains to electric generation facilities that are not connected to the Maryland grid. This gap creates ambiguity for developers, investors, as well as local communities. Now, uncertainty is important in my experience for a few reasons. Number one, as you know, agencies like the Maryland Public Service Commission, they don't have infinite resources. The PSC must focus its resources on facilities that impact directly rateayers as well as the reliability of the grid. Number two, this bill provides enhanced resilience for certain facilities, especially critical infrastructure facilities. And also, by definition, an off-grid generating facility does not have the same impact on Maryland rateayers as on-rid resources do. Now there are many people who may raise a question about whether or not this creates a regulatory gap. I want to be clear. This is not deregulation. This is appropriate regulation.”

https://www.youtube.com/live/2UwhClHUrVY?si=5P9vVmyjMISVDJdl&t=9510