The Public Service Commission of Maryland convened on January 18, 2025, to discuss critical updates regarding electric vehicle (EV) programs, focusing on the extension of the Smart Charging Management (SCM) program and the maintenance of public charging stations.

The meeting began with a presentation from Potomac Electric Power Company (PHI) regarding their request to extend the SCM program. This program, which had halted new customer enrollments in June 2024 to allow for data collection for a Department of Energy report, is set to conclude at the end of the year. PHI emphasized the need for this extension to continue enrolling customers and maintaining operations until the approval of their Phase 2 proposals, which are expected to be filed shortly.

Commissioners raised questions about the necessity of the extension, particularly regarding ongoing reporting requirements to the Department of Energy. PHI clarified that the extension is primarily to prevent service disruption for customers rather than to fulfill data collection needs.

The discussion then shifted to the public charging maintenance program. PHI requested a reallocation of existing funds to maintain the 350 chargers already approved, rather than seeking additional funding or new installations. The company highlighted the importance of maintaining a 97% uptime for these chargers to ensure reliability for users. Concerns were raised about the current state of some chargers, particularly in areas with limited alternatives, such as the Eastern Shore.

Commissioner Barbay expressed frustration over the lack of amenities near some charging stations and the issue of offline chargers not being accurately reported in applications. This concern was echoed by other commissioners, who emphasized the need for improved reporting and accountability regarding charger availability.

In response, PHI acknowledged the issues and committed to addressing them through their repair and replacement plans. They assured the commission that maintaining operational chargers is a priority, especially as the state pushes for increased EV adoption to combat climate change.

The meeting concluded with a motion to approve the proposed alterations to the EV programs, which received mixed support from the commissioners. While some expressed reservations about the effectiveness of the current infrastructure, they ultimately voted in favor of the proposals, emphasizing the need for ongoing improvements in charger reliability and accessibility.

The commission's discussions underscored the critical role of reliable EV infrastructure in Maryland's transition to electric vehicles and the ongoing challenges that need to be addressed to support this shift.