Maryland Energy Storage Program Design and Technical Support

Since 2023, Synapse has been assisting the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel (OPC) on energy storage program development and evaluation of utility- and Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC)-lead battery procurements. 

In 2023, the PSC convened a working group to develop an energy storage program, via Case No. 9715 (Maryland Energy Storage Program), as required by § 7-216.1 of the Maryland Public Utilities Article. The PSC also established two related workgroups: the Storage Metrics Workgroup and the Storage Tariff Workgroup. Synapse participates in meetings, reviews technical materials, and submits written comments to help shape the development of Maryland’s Energy Storage Program. Issues include how retail-level tariffs should be developed (e.g., using avoided costs), the program structure (upfront payments and performance payments), considerations for wholesale market integration and participation, utility cost recovery, ownership structures, residential ratepayer impact, and other new and emerging issues related to grid-connected battery program development.

As part of the Maryland Next Generation Act Requirements for Transmission Connected Storage and Maryland Energy Storage Targets Bill, Maryland utilities and the PSC must procure distribution and transmission-connected energy storage over the next five years. Synapse provides the OPC with technical assistance in evaluating the impact of transmission- and distribution-connected energy storage policies and procurement plans on residential ratepayers in Maryland. Lastly, Synapse provides technical assistance in evaluating the Maryland Energy Storage Pilot Program (via Case No. 9619).