Potomac Edison submits electric school bus pilot plan for commission approval

In a pivotal meeting held by the Public Service Commission of Maryland, discussions centered around Potomac Edison Company's proposal for a groundbreaking vehicle-to-grid electric school bus pilot program. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as representatives presented their plans aimed at integrating electric school buses into the state’s energy framework.

Ola Deba, speaking on behalf of the commission staff, outlined the details of Potomac Edison’s implementation plan, which was filed on June 20, 2025. This plan is a response to a previous commission order and includes revised tariff pages, a proposed budget, and strategies for site selection and program evaluation. Deba noted that initial concerns regarding the tariff were addressed through discussions with Potomac Edison, leading to a revised proposal deemed compliant with regulatory requirements.

The proposal aims to explore the potential of electric school buses to provide relief to the distribution system through innovative vehicle-to-grid technology. However, the Office of People’s Council, represented by Isaac Lindenbaum, raised critical concerns about the lack of clear evaluation metrics linked to the program's primary goal. Lindenbaum emphasized that without these metrics, it would be challenging to assess the program's success and its impact on residential ratepayers.

The dialogue highlighted the importance of establishing clear goals and measurable outcomes for pilot programs, a requirement set forth by the commission. Lindenbaum's comments underscored the need for accountability and transparency in the pilot's implementation, ensuring that the interests of consumers are safeguarded.

As the meeting progressed, the commission members were invited to ask questions, but none were raised, indicating a potential consensus on the proposal's direction. The commission is expected to make a decision on Potomac Edison’s application, which, if approved, would take effect on September 3, 2025.

This meeting marks a significant step towards integrating electric vehicles into Maryland's energy landscape, reflecting a broader commitment to sustainable practices and innovation in public transportation. As the commission deliberates, the outcome could set a precedent for future initiatives aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact.