The Maryland Public Service Commission is moving ahead with a request for proposals for 1,500 MW of new gas-fired generation, despite concerns raised by its regional grid operator about power pricing impacts. However, the state questions the grid manager's capacity predictions.
Maryland officials did not release the value of the planned construction, but the new plants could cost between $1 billion and $1.5 billion, says Glen Thomas, president of PJM Power Providers, the Valley Forge, Pa.-based regional grid operator. He says the additional power is not needed and is not economic.