MILLINGTON — A proposed 5-megawatt solar generating facility to be constructed outside of Millington’s town limits will be the subject of a Maryland Public Service Commission hearing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 at Galena Elementary School.
Chief Public Utility Law Judge Ryan C. McLean will preside.
This is the second public comment hearing in this case; the first hearing was a virtual hearing on Oct. 3.
In May 2024, TPE MD KE51 LLC applied to the Maryland Public Service Commission for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which grants an applicant the authority to construct an energy generating station or high-voltage transmission line in Maryland.
According to the application, the solar facility, intended as part of Maryland’s community solar program, would be located on 40 acres of a 199-acre site at 10066 Peacock Corner Road, Millington.
According to a news release, the hearing will include a presentation on the project by the developer, followed by brief presentations on their recommendations by the Power Plant Research Program of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel and the Public Service Commission’s technical staff.
There also will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposed project.
Barring any technical difficulties, according to the news release, a recording of the hearing will be available the next day on the Public Utility Law Judge Division’s YouTube channel (MD PSC PULJs): https://bit.ly/2X6wLiP.
In addition to the hearing, written comments can be sent electronically through the Public Service Commission’s online portal at https://www.psc.state.md.us/make-a-public-comment/, or by mail. The deadline is Feb. 27.
Comments sent by mail should be addressed to: Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul St., 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. (Only one copy is required).
So that they are noted in the proper case file, all comments should reference Case No. 9742.
In addition to the online docket, the application is available for public review at the Kent County Department of Planning and Zoning, 400 High St. in Chestertown.
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The Maryland Public Service Commission regulates electric and gas utilities and suppliers, telephone companies (land lines), private water and sewer companies, passenger motor vehicle carriers for hire, taxicab companies in some jurisdictions and bay pilot rates.
The PSC implements the energy policy of the state and also regulates the siting of energy generating facilities and high-voltage transmission lines.