Want to stop re-regulation? Build a generator


Substation Relay Protection Training

Our customized live online or in‑person group training can be delivered to your staff at your location.

  • Live Online
  • 12 hours Instructor-led
  • Group Training Available
Regular Price:
$699
Coupon Price:
$599
Reserve Your Seat Today
Gov. O'Malley's proposal to "re-regulate" electricity, which would have required new electric generation plants in Maryland to be owned by BGE and other utilities, failed in the House. That seems to be the sensible decision.

The only reason to rush into re-regulation would have been a maxed-out grid and the need for new, regulated generation pronto. The recession and accompanying decline in the use of energy has pushed back the day when we need to start building.

Now policymakers can seek reform on the federal level, monitor the economy, energy prices and grid capacity and figure out what to do at some leisure.

Electricity companies lobbied like heck to keep this bill from being passed. It'll be back next year, but there is one thing the industry could do to stop it in its tracks: build a dang generation plant.

Maryland has seen no significant new generation since the 1990s. Deregulation was supposed to bring new, privately sponsored plants, along with the competition and lower prices they imply.

It never did.

This is industry's last chance to get a non-regulated, moderately sized natural-gas generator in Maryland and deliver on the promise of dereg. If it doesn't, next year the Assembly or the Public Service Commission really will order BGE to build a regulated one instead.

Related News

Ontario energy minister asks for early report exploring a halt to natural gas power generation

Ontario Natural Gas Moratorium gains momentum as IESO weighs energy storage, renewables, and demand management…
View more

BC Hydro rates going up 3 per cent

BC Hydro Rate Freeze Rejection details the BCUC decision enabling a 3% rate increase, citing…
View more

Sens. Wyden, Merkley Introduce Bill to Ensure More Wildfire Resilient Power Grid

Wildfire Resilient Power Grid Act proposes DOE grants for utility companies to fund wildfire mitigation,…
View more

Britain's energy security bill set to become law

UK Energy Security Bill drives private investment, diversifies from fossil fuels with hydrogen and offshore…
View more

The Power Sector’s Most Crucial COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies

ESCC COVID-19 Resource Guide outlines control center continuity, sequestration, social distancing, remote operations, testing priorities,…
View more

Experiment Shows We Can Actually Generate Electricity From The Night Sky

Nighttime thermoradiative power converts outgoing infrared radiation into electricity using semiconductor photodiodes, leveraging negative illumination…
View more

Sign Up for Electricity Forum’s Newsletter

Stay informed with our FREE Newsletter — get the latest news, breakthrough technologies, and expert insights, delivered straight to your inbox.

Electricity Today T&D Magazine Subscribe for FREE

Stay informed with the latest T&D policies and technologies.
  • Timely insights from industry experts
  • Practical solutions T&D engineers
  • Free access to every issue

Download the 2026 Electrical Training Catalog

Explore 50+ live, expert-led electrical training courses –

  • Interactive
  • Flexible
  • CEU-cerified