The Public Service Commission of Maryland convened on September 8, 2025, to discuss key recommendations aimed at enhancing the development of community solar projects in the state. A significant point raised during the meeting was the call to eliminate the Subscriber Organization Identification (SOID) approval as a prerequisite for submitting interconnection applications.
Advocates from the Community Solar Association (CCSA) emphasized that the SOID requirement has become an unnecessary hurdle, hindering the growth of community solar initiatives. They argued that this prerequisite is merely an administrative practice lacking regulatory or statutory backing, making its removal a straightforward improvement.
The discussion highlighted the potential for streamlining processes to foster the expansion of renewable energy sources in Maryland. By addressing this barrier, stakeholders believe that the state can better support community solar projects, ultimately benefiting residents and promoting sustainable energy solutions.
As the meeting concluded, the focus on removing the SOID approval requirement underscored a broader commitment to enhancing the efficiency of solar project development in Maryland. The next steps will involve further deliberation on this recommendation and its implications for future energy policies in the state.