1. (a) In this section, “Working Group” means the Energy Resilience and Efficiency Working Group of the Commission.
2. (b) The Commission shall establish an Energy Resilience and Efficiency Working Group.

3. (c) The Working Group shall include:

   1. (1) One member of the Senate of Maryland, appointed by the President of the Senate;
   2. (2) One member of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House;
   3. (3) The Secretary, or the Secretary's designee;
   4. (4) The Director of the Maryland Energy Administration;
   5. (5) Three representatives of the nuclear energy industry, selected by the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration;
   6. (6) Three representatives of the energy transmission infrastructure industry, selected by the Public Service Commission; and
   7. (7) Three representatives of the energy storage and backup industry, selected by the Secretary.
4. (d) The Secretary shall designate the chair of the Working Group.
5. (e) The Department shall provide staff for the Working Group.

6. (f) A member of the Working Group:

   1. (1) May not receive compensation as a member of the Working Group; but
   2. (2) Is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

7. (g) The Working Group shall:

   1. (1) Advise the Commission on issues and opportunities related to energy infrastructure improvements, transmission efficiency improvements, and battery backup viability; and

   2. (2) Conduct a study of:

      1. (i) Methods for the State to encourage electricity storage technology research;
      2. (ii) Methods of increasing the security of the electricity grid by supporting distributed renewable energy projects and energy storage with the potential to supply electric energy to critical facilities during a widespread power outage;
      3. (iii) Potential electric grid distribution transformation projects;
      4. (iv) The potential to develop clean energy resources on previously developed project sites; and

      5. (v) The lifespan and viability of energy facilities in the State that do not emit greenhouse gas, including:

         1. 1. Solar energy generating facilities;
         2. 2. Nuclear energy generating facilities;
         3. 3. Wind energy generating facilities;
         4. 4. Geothermal energy generating facilities;
         5. 5. Hydroelectric energy generating facilities; and
         6. 6. Biofuel energy generating facilities.
8. (h) On or before December 31, 2023, the Working Group shall report to the Commission and, in accordance with § 2-1257 of the State Government Article, the General Assembly on the findings of the study required under subsection (g)(2) of this section.

Added by Acts 2022, c. 38, § 4, eff. June 1, 2022.