NRG · 10-Q · 2026Q3 · Full report
Maryland Retail Market Restrictions
NRG ENERGY, INC. · 2026-11-09 · Importance 40 · Surprise 42
Maryland SB 1, signed May 9, 2024, restricts competitive retail electricity and natural gas sales to residential customers; key provisions took effect January 1, 2025. The law caps prices for non-renewable residential contracts, limits price changes and contract terms, and requires separate supplier billing for new and renewing contracts beginning January 1, 2026. On May 15, 2026, the Fourth Circuit reversed part of the district court ruling and remanded the challenge, directing an injunction of the law’s renewable-product provisions and further proceedings on customer disclosures. The price cap, limits on price changes, salesperson restrictions, and separate-billing requirement remain in effect while litigation continues.
Key facts
- Maryland’s Public Service Commission ruled that grandfathering of existing contracts ends December 31, 2025, and separate billing is required for suppliers’ charges for all new and renewing contracts beginning January 1, 2026. source
- Maryland SB 1 took effect in key respects on January 1, 2025 and restricts competitive residential retail electric and natural gas markets, but does not affect commercial and industrial customers. source
- Maryland SB 1 caps residential contract prices by reference to the trailing 12-month historical average of utility rates, with a limited exception for renewable products. source
- Maryland renewable products must receive price pre-approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission and use renewable electricity certificates sourced within PJM. source
- Maryland SB 1 limits variable-price contract changes to once per year, except time-of-use contracts, and limits contract terms to 12 months. source
- Maryland SB 1 requires affirmative consent for renewal of renewable-power contracts and imposes licensing requirements on energy salespeople. source
- Maryland SB 1’s non-renewable price cap, limits on price changes, restrictions on energy salespeople, and separate-billing provisions remained in effect while litigation continued. source