Offshore Wind Energy Target

Maryland enacted legislation in 2013 (H.B. 226) establishing a carve-out for offshore wind energy within its Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS). The legislation directed the Maryland Public Service Commission to determine the actual target, but provided that the requirement cannot exceed 2.5% of retail electricity sales in 2017 through 2020. The limit increases to 10% of retail electricity sales in 2025. Beginning in 2026, Maryland Statutes establish a specific megawatt (MW) target for offshore wind energy development, requiring 400 MW in 2026 and 2027, increasing to 800 MW in 2028, and 1,200 MW in 2030 and thereafter. Maryland Public Utilities Code § 7-704.1 separately established a goal of reaching 8,500 MW of offshore wind energy capacity by 2031.