Distribution

Distribution is the process whereby electricity is physically delivered to end-users. The Maryland PSC regulates and recognizes electric companies’ monopoly franchises to deliver electricity to all customers within their respective service areas. As part of the monopoly franchise arrangement, the distribution companies are subject to price and other regulation by the PSC.

Three broad classes of electric distribution companies deliver power to retail customers in Maryland: investor-owned electric companies, municipal systems, and electric cooperatives. There are 13 electric distribution utilities in Maryland (see map of service areas on page 8). Of these, four are investor-owned systems, five are municipal systems, and four are electric cooperatives. More than 90 percent of electric service in Maryland is provided by the four investor-owned utilities. The remaining 10 percent of customers are served by rural electric cooperatives and municipal systems. The 13 electric distribution utilities serve over 2.4 million customer accounts in Maryland.

Maryland Transmission Lines (>115,000 Volts)

Proposed Transmission Lines and Distribution Service Areas In Maryland

National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors (NIETC) The Mid-Atlantic region, from Northern Virginia to New York, has been designated as an NIETC. This designation means that additional transmission capacity is so critical that FERC, under limited conditions, may overrule state utility commissions and issue permits for regional transmission line projects that are deemed to be in the national interest. If state approval fails to be provided within one year of filing, FERC has the authority to consider an application and issue a permit to construct.

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