Maryland Energy Storage Pilot Program Technical Support
The Maryland Public Utilities Article (“PUA”) § 7-216 established the Maryland Energy Storage Pilot Program. The pilot program required each distribution utility to submit at least two energy storage project applications for Commission review. Synapse was retained by the Maryland Office of People's Counsel to assist with reviewing the applications and to provide technical analysis and recommendations. With Synapse’s assistance, OPC prepared extensive discovery requests for each of the four utilities, seeking information and data on their energy storage applications.
Synapse thoroughly reviewed each pilot energy storage project application. The review included an assessment of the proposed projects in three general areas. Synapse's Courtney Lane led the economic and ratemaking analysis of the projected costs, savings, and benefits of the proposed projects. Dr. Erin Camp led the assessment of environmental impacts and Dr. Steve Letendre addressed wholesale market issues. Synapse analysis raised concerns about wholesale market revenue risks, deferral value calculations, and emissions impact methods. Synapse expert witnesses participated in the Maryland Public Utilities Commission hearing held on July 13, 2020, to present to the Commission Synapse's analysis of the storage project applications.