Maryland lawmakers push to expand state oversight of underground power lines
(UI) — Maryland lawmakers are advancing legislation that would require underground transmission lines to undergo review by the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC), closing a gap in state law that currently applies oversight only to overhead lines, according to Maryland Matters.
The effort follows controversy surrounding a proposed Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) underground transmission project connecting substations west of downtown Baltimore to Baltimore Peninsula. The planned route would run near Camden Yards and M&T Bank Stadium and through historic neighborhoods including Otterbein and Ridgely’s Delight.
Under current law, underground transmission projects can bypass PSC review if they do not require new land acquisition or taller structures. Senate President Bill Ferguson is drafting legislation similar to a House bill sponsored by Del. Elizabeth Embry that would bring underground and underwater transmission lines under commission oversight and make waivers discretionary rather than automatic.
Cost escalation has intensified scrutiny of the BGE project. Early estimates for related upgrades were around $130 million, but total costs tied to the broader transmission work now exceed $500 million, as reported by Maryland Matters. Lawmakers have questioned both the route selection and the rising price tag.
Supporters of the legislation argue that expanding PSC review would increase transparency and accountability for local transmission projects, which are largely paid for by utility customers.
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