For Immediate Release:
January 30, 2026
Contact: Lesley Paredes, lesley.paredes-hernandez@sierraclub.org
Maryland Public Service Commission’s Approval of EV Phase II Filings a Step in the Right Direction
More Planning Needed to Support Vehicle Electrification in the State
BALTIMORE — Yesterday, Maryland’s Public Service Commission (PSC) approved utility 5-year plans for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across the state. These programs will drive down electricity rates for all Marylanders, whether they own an EV or not, expand charging opportunities across the state, and help clean up our air.
Most of the programs that Sierra Club advocated for were approved, including “make-ready” programs that help chargers connect to the grid and reduce the upfront cost of installing charging equipment; fleet advisory programs that educate companies on the transition from gas to electric vehicles; and charge management programs that optimize charging times to reduce energy costs and avoid grid overload.
One missing priority the PSC did not include in its approvals is requiring utilities to put in place plans and grid upgrades to meet the growing need for electricity as more EVs join the grid. Making sure utilities proactively prepare the grid for new EVs is critical from an affordability perspective. Multiple studies from around the country show that proactive investments in grid upgrades will drive down electricity rates for all ratepayers, even those who do not own EVs.
Disappointingly, the PSC also denied Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE)'s request to add 100 charging stations at multi-unit dwellings (MUDs). However, Sierra Club appreciates the PSC’s requirement that 40% of all utility-owned chargers in MUDs must be sited in underserved communities, which is an essential equity measure.
In response to the PSC’s approval of the majority of utilities’ EV Phase II programs, Sierra Club Maryland Chapter Director Josh Tulkin has released the following statement:
“We are pleased to see the Maryland PSC take steps to accelerate the buildout of Maryland's EV charging infrastructure. This will help prepare the state for more EVs on our roads. Available and reliable EV charging is critical to the transition to cleaner vehicles, which will clean up our air, help save families money, and reduce climate pollution.
While approval of these programs is a step in the right direction, we urge the PSC to prioritize the long-term planning needed to keep our electric grid reliable and efficient as more EVs connect to it. We will continue advocating for the State to take proactive action on grid planning.”
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The Sierra Club Maryland Chapter is a grassroots environmental organization working for the protection of Maryland's land, air, and water, as well as a just and equitable transition from dirty fossil fuels to a clean energy future for all. The Maryland Chapter has over 70,000 members and supporters, and the Sierra Club nationwide has approximately 620,000 members.