The Public Service Commission of Maryland convened on September 8, 2025, for a prehearing conference regarding the water rate increase request by Maryland American Water Company, designated as case 9808. The meeting began with appearances from representatives of the involved parties, including Maryland American Water Company, the Office of People's Council, and commission staff.

The chair initiated the session by marking and entering Company Exhibit 1, which included the certificates of publication for the prehearing conference. This exhibit was accepted into evidence without objection.

Following this, the commission staff presented a proposed procedural schedule for the case. Key dates outlined included the filing of supplemental testimony by the company on November 14, 2025, and direct testimony from all parties, excluding the company, due by November 24, 2025. Rebuttal testimony from all parties is scheduled for December 19, 2025, with evidentiary hearings set to take place from January 14 to January 16, 2026. A single round of briefs is expected to be filed by January 30, 2026.

The parties agreed to waive the page limit for briefs up to 70 pages, given the single round of submissions. Additionally, live rejoinder will be permitted during the hearings, allowing staff and the Office of People's Council to respond accordingly.

On the matter of discovery, the parties reached an agreement for a three-business-day turnaround for discovery requests related to supplemental testimony, and a four-business-day turnaround for rebuttal testimony, with stipulations regarding afternoon submissions. The parties also agreed to provide discovery responses on a rolling basis when feasible.

The discussion included the planning of public comment hearings, with the expectation of at least two sessions. However, specific dates for these hearings were not finalized during the meeting and will be coordinated with the executive secretary at a later time.

The meeting concluded without further items for discussion, marking a significant step in the procedural timeline for the water rate case. The commission will continue to oversee the process as it progresses toward the scheduled hearings and public engagement opportunities.