Maryland Electricity Reliability Act Becomes Law

Parliamentarian, Maryland House of Delegates
Chair, Montgomery County House Delegation
Member, Economic Matters Committee
House Chair, Joint Information Technology and Biotechnology Committee
Chair, House Banking, Economic Development, Science and Technology Subcommittee

Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Electricity Service Quality and Reliability Act (HB 391), commonly referred to as the Pepco Bill, was signed into law by Governor O'Malley today in a bill signing ceremony held in the State House.  The Maryland Electricity Service Quality and Reliability Act, introduced by Delegate Brian J. Feldman (D-15), requires the Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) to set specific standards of service reliability for electric companies doing business in Maryland.  If the standards are not met, strict economic penalties will be imposed on those companies that do not comply.  Any penalties cannot be passed on to consumers under the new law. 

"I believe this legislation is a critical first step in holding Pepco fully accountable for its service performance and puts in place the necessary economic incentives for Pepco to improve the reliability of its system," stated Delegate Feldman.

Additionally, Governor O'Malley signed into law changes to the Biotechnology Investment Tax Credit Bill (HB 587).  Sponsored by Delegate Feldman, this law will assist many early stage Maryland biotechnology companies by extending the eligibility period to received tax credits for investing in such companies.

"I will continue to introduce and support proposals which promote our State's growing biotechnology sector, an important component of Maryland's economic future," said Delegate Feldman.