Certificate Of Public Convenience And Necessity (Public Service Commission) Details


Certificate Of Public Convenience And Necessity (Public Service Commission)

General Info - Statewide Certification

Anyone constructing an electric generating station in the state of Maryland, including emergency back-up power, must apply for and obtain a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) from the Public Service Commission (PSC) for larger power generation projects or a CPCN Waiver from the Public Service Commission for smaller power generation projects which meet certain applicability thresholds established by the PSC.

In addition to the waiver, an applicant must also apply for and receive an air quality permit to construct prior to constructing or operating the generator.

  • s

    Approval time

  • $500.00

    Application cost

Obtaining the Certification

Ready to get your certification? - Steps, Requirements, and Documents

  1. For more information about requirements, click here.

Apply for the Certification

  • Online Application

    Complete the form

    Apply Now

Agency/Contact

Certification Issuer - Information

Who issues the certification?

Maryland Department of Environment

Contact Information

Energy and Resources and Markets Division of the PSC

Tel: (410) 767-8059

Address

Address: 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21230

Legal Authority

What laws and regulations give Maryland Department of Environment the legal authority to issue this approval?

MDE does not issue the CPCN. Rather, the Public Service Commission (under the authority of Public Utility Companies Article, §§2-121 and 7-205 - 7-208 of the Annotated Code of Maryland) issues a CPCN. The CPCN incorporates Maryland’s pre-construction air permitting requirements, including non-attainment 1.03 New Source Review, 1.04 Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) and other air quality regulations, as applicable. Once a facility is constructed, any additional permits such as a 1.05 State Permit to Operate or a federal 1.06. Part 70 Operating Permit are issued by MDE. The CPCN may also replace the 3.15 Water Appropriation and Use Permit.