news & events

Maryland General Assembly Passes Utility RELIEF Act

Posted May 19, 2026 at 7:01 AM

Land Development, News & Events, Real Estate

On April 13, 2026, the Maryland General Assembly passed the Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act (HB1532/SB841), a bipartisan bill designed to make it faster, cheaper, and easier for residents to install solar energy systems and home batteries. The bill aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and lower electricity costs, with Governor Wes Moore expected to sign it, taking effect on October 1, 2026. This legislation builds upon previous efforts to reach the state’s clean energy goals, with projections suggesting typical households could save up to $2,300 per year on energy bills.

Key features of the new Maryland legislation include:

  • Automated Permitting: The law requires local jurisdictions to adopt automated solar permitting to reduce delays.
  • Standardized Fees: Regulations and fees for solar installations will be standardized across different counties to eliminate variability and reduce costs.
  • Plug-in Solar Authorization: Renters and homeowners are authorized to use “plug-in” or “balcony” solar systems (up to 1,200 watts) that connect directly to standard outlets. These systems are exempt from utility interconnection fees, though notice to the utility is required.
  • Faster Inspection Processes: The bill focuses on eliminating bottlenecks that lead to long waiting times for solar installation approvals, which previously took twice the national average.
  • Energy Storage Support: The act streamlines the process for adding battery storage to homes alongside rooftop panels.

This new legislation will provide great value to residents and streamline the review process to install solar energy systems and save money on energy bills. Additionally, it is environmentally friendly while also reducing the strain on the traditional power grid.

How MM&C Land Use and Zoning Attorneys Can Help
Sean Hughes is an attorney in Miller, Miller & Canby’s Land Use practice group. His career spans more than three decades of focus in land use, zoning and wireless telecommunications. The firm’s Land Use & Development practice concentrates on land use, zoning, subdivision and planning law in Montgomery County and the municipalities within the county. Our areas of expertise include zoning, special exceptions, conditional uses, building variances, sign variances, subdivision, master planning, building permit issuance, and administrative and real estate matters related to land development. Learn more about Miller, Miller & Canby’s Land Use and Zoning practice by clicking here or contact us at 301.762.5212.

RELATED NEWS & RESOURCES