Md. Code, Public Utilities, Title 5

in effect

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-101

(a) After providing notice and an opportunity for interested parties to be heard, the Commission may adopt regulations that prescribe standards for safe, adequate, reasonable, and proper service for any class of public service company or gas master meter operator. (b) The standards adopted under subsection (a) of this section shall best promote, in the opinion of the Commission, the security or convenience of: (1) the public; (2) those employed in furnishing services; and (3) those to whom services are rendered. (c) The Commission may: (1) enforce the standards adopted under this section; and (2) by order, as the Commission considers necessary, require changes and additions in the service of any public service company or gas master meter operator, including: (i) repairs or improvements in plant; (ii) increase in motive power; and (iii) change in schedule or manner of operations.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-102

(a) The Commission may: (1) as it considers reasonable and proper, order a common carrier to issue mileage, excursion, school commuter, passenger commuter, or joint interchangeable mile tickets for all or part of the common carrier’s route in the State; and (2) require any two or more common carriers, whose lines form a continuous line of transportation or whose lines could form a continuous line of transportation by means of switch connection, to: (i) establish through routes and joint rates; (ii) provide for the manner of securing the through routes or paying the joint rates; and (iii) apportion the through routes and joint rates between the affected common carriers. (b) This section: (1) is subject to § 7-208(f) of the Transportation Article; and (2) does not limit § 5-101 of this subtitle.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-103

(a) (1) The Commission may require a public service company to continue any service that the public service company renders to the public under any franchise, right, or permit, after any applicable expiration date. (2) Unless authorized by the Commission, a public service company may not discontinue or abandon a service under a franchise, right, or permit. (3) The Commission may authorize a public service company to discontinue or abandon a service under a franchise, right, or permit if the Commission finds that the present or future public convenience and necessity allows the discontinuance or abandonment. (4) Denial of authorization to discontinue or abandon a service under a franchise, right, or permit does not preclude subsequent reapplication. (b) (1) Whenever the Commission authorizes the abandonment or discontinuance of a franchise, right, or permit, as a whole or in part, that involves any service to or from a suburban community, the Commission: (i) shall consider all applications to acquire the franchise, right, or permit to render the service; and (ii) shall grant the application to the best qualified applicant. (2) An abandoned or discontinued right that extends between mid-city and suburban termini shall continue to extend between the mid-city and suburban termini if the abandoned or discontinued right: (i) as acquired by the abandoning or discontinuing public service company or its predecessor, extended from mid-city to suburban termini; or (ii) was operated between the mid-city and suburban termini during most of its existence or for an aggregate of at least 15 years.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-104

(a) The Commission may authorize the acts described in §§ 5-202, 5-203, and 5-205 of this title and § 6-101(a) of this article if it finds that the authorization is consistent with the public convenience and necessity. (b) Authority that the Commission grants under §§ 5-202 and 5-203 of this title does not: (1) revive a lapsed franchise; (2) validate an invalid franchise; (3) enlarge or add to the powers and privileges of a franchise; or (4) waive a forfeiture.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-105

The Commission shall require each gas company, electric company, and telephone company to exempt the dwelling units of subscribing individuals who are at least 60 years old from any cash deposit requirement, if the subscriber does not owe any past-due bill to that public service company.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-106

Before a license or permit may be issued under this article to an employer to engage in an activity in which the employer may employ a covered employee, as defined in § 9-101 of the Labor and Employment Article, the employer shall file with the issuing authority: (1) a certificate of compliance with the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Act; or (2) the number of a workers’ compensation insurance policy or binder.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-201

(a) A public service company may not exercise a franchise granted by law except to the extent authorized by the Commission. (b) A public service company may not exercise a franchise unless it files with the Commission: (1) a certified copy of its charter; and (2) a statement by its president and secretary, signed under oath, that the appropriate local authorities have provided the required consent for the exercise of the franchise.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-202

Without prior authorization of the Commission, a public service company may not: (1) assign, lease, or transfer a franchise or a right under a franchise; (2) enter into any agreement or contract that materially affects a franchise or a right under a franchise; or (3) abandon or discontinue the exercise of a franchise or a right as a whole or in part.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-203

(a) This section does not apply to a merger of or transfer of stock or other ownership interest between: (1) a telephone company; and (2) another entity with a greater than 50% ownership in common with the telephone company. (b) Subject to § 6–101 of this article, without prior authorization of the Commission, a public service company may not purchase, acquire, take, or hold any part of the capital stock of another public service company that operates in Maryland. (c) (1) This subsection applies to corporations that operate in Maryland. (2) Except as provided in paragraph (5) of this subsection, without prior authorization of the Commission, a public service company may not: (i) assume or guarantee an obligation or liability with respect to stocks, bonds, securities, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness that is payable as a whole or in part to any person more than 12 months after the date of issuance; or (ii) issue stocks, bonds, securities, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness payable as a whole or in part more than 12 months after the date of issuance. (3) Stocks, bonds, securities, notes, or other evidence of indebtedness described under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection shall be issued in accordance with §§ 6–102 and 6–103 of this article. (4) The Commission shall take action on an application for authorization under this section within a reasonable time after receipt. (5) Prior authorization of the Commission is not required for an assumption or guarantee under paragraph (2)(i) of this subsection or an issuance under paragraph (2)(ii) of this subsection made by a gas company, electric company, or telephone company whose gross annual revenues, for the most recent calendar year for which data are available, are less than 3% of the total gross annual revenues of all public service companies in the State during the same calendar year, if the gas company, electric company, or telephone company: (i) provides prior written notice to the Commission of the transaction; and (ii) obtains approval of the transaction from the entity in another state that regulates the gas company, electric company, or telephone company.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-204

(a) This section does not apply to: (1) a municipal corporation, sanitary district, or other unit of government; (2) an individual, for the construction of a water system or sewage disposal system for the individual’s personal or private use; or (3) a group of individuals for their joint personal or private use, unless the Commission finds that the joint use is for the purpose of generally serving a proposed new housing development. (b) Without the prior authorization of the Commission, a person may not construct a water system or sewage disposal system for public use. (c) (1) The Commission may authorize the construction of a water system or sewage disposal system for public use only on a finding that the construction of the water system or sewage disposal system is in the public interest. (2) In determining whether the proposed construction of the water system or sewage disposal system is in the public interest, the Commission shall consider: (i) the financing plans for the proposed construction; and (ii) other pertinent facts and circumstances. (d) An applicant for authorization to construct a water system or sewage disposal system: (1) shall fully disclose to the Commission the financing plans for the construction; and (2) has the burden of proof to satisfy the Commission that the construction is in the public interest. (e) (1) After a hearing, the Commission may revoke an authorization to construct a water system or sewage disposal system if the Commission finds that the revocation is in the public interest. (2) An order of revocation may be appealed in accordance with § 3-204 of this article. (3) Subject to action of the Commission under § 3-205 of this article, the filing of an appeal does not stay an order of revocation. (4) After the Commission issues an order of revocation, the water system or sewage disposal system may not be operated until the revocation is repealed by: (i) the Commission; or (ii) the final disposition of an appeal from the order of revocation.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-205

(a) Without prior authorization of the Commission, a person may not transfer a controlling interest in a water company or sewage disposal company to another person. (b) The Commission may authorize the transfer of a controlling interest in a water company or sewage disposal company if the Commission finds that the transfer is consistent with the public convenience and necessity.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-301

(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, this section does not apply to a requirement or violation of: (1) Subtitle 4 of this title; (2) Title 7, Subtitle 1 of this article; (3) Title 8, Subtitles 1 and 3 of this article; or (4) Title 9, Subtitle 3 of this article. (b) A public service company: (1) shall comply fully with the requirements of this division; and (2) may not violate any provision of this division.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-302

(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a public service company shall file with the Commission: (1) an annual report for the preceding calendar year; and (2) special reports, information, contracts, records, and copies as required by the Commission. (b) Unless otherwise directed by the Commission, a public service company is not required to comply with subsection (a) of this section if the public service company is: (1) a common carrier; or (2) a telephone company whose rates are not regulated by the Commission under Title 4 of this article. (c) The Commission may require a public service company that files documents under subsection (a) of this section to file the documents under oath.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-303

A public service company shall furnish equipment, services, and facilities that are safe, adequate, just, reasonable, economical, and efficient, considering the conservation of natural resources and the quality of the environment.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-304

(a) (1) A public service company shall notify the Commission of any accident involving the public service company that results in: (i) personal injury requiring hospitalization; (ii) property damage exceeding $50,000; or (iii) loss of life. (2) The public service company shall notify the Commission within 30 days after the day the accident occurs or within a period that the Commission prescribes. (b) The notice: (1) shall be in a form that the Commission prescribes; and (2) may not be admissible in evidence, or used for any purpose against the public service company that provides the notice, in an action for damages arising out of any matter that is reported in the notice.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-305

(a) This section applies to a project by an investor–owned gas company, electric company, or combination gas and electric company involving the construction, reconstruction, installation, demolition, restoration, or alteration of any underground gas or electric infrastructure of the company, and any related traffic control activities. (b) An investor–owned gas company, electric company, or combination gas and electric company shall require a contractor or subcontractor on a project described in subsection (a) of this section to pay its employees not less than the prevailing wage rate determined solely by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry in a process substantially similar to the process established under Title 17, Subtitle 2 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. (c) In accordance with Title 3, Subtitle 5 of the Labor and Employment Article, the Maryland Department of Labor shall enforce the requirement under subsection (b) of this section for contractors and subcontractors to pay employees not less than the prevailing wage rate determined solely by the Commissioner of Labor and Industry. (d) A contract entered into after March 1, 2024, by an investor–owned gas company, electric company, or combination gas and electric company that is for the construction, reconstruction, installation, demolition, restoration, or alteration of any underground gas or electric infrastructure, and any related traffic control activities, includes a contract that has been executed, amended, or altered after March 1, 2024.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-306

(a) In this section, “zero–trust” means a cybersecurity approach: (1) focused on cybersecurity resource protection; and (2) based on the premise that trust is never granted implicitly but must be continually evaluated. (b) This section does not apply to a public service company that is: (1) a common carrier; or (2) a telephone company. (c) A public service company shall: (1) adopt and implement cybersecurity standards that are equal to or exceed standards adopted by the Commission; (2) adopt a zero–trust cybersecurity approach for on–premises services and cloud–based services; (3) establish minimum security standards for each operational technology and information technology device based on the level of security risk for each device, including security risks associated with supply chains; and (4) (i) on or before July 1, 2024, and on or before July 1 every other year thereafter, engage a third party to conduct an assessment of operational technology and information technology devices based on: 1. the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s Cross–Sector Cybersecurity Performance Goals; or 2. a more stringent standard that is based on the National Institute of Standards and Technology security frameworks; and (ii) submit to the Commission certification of the public service company’s compliance with standards used in the assessments under item (i) of this item. (d) (1) Each public service company shall report, in accordance with the process established under paragraph (2) of this subsection, a cybersecurity incident, including an attack on a system being used by the public service company, to the State Security Operations Center in the Department of Information Technology. (2) The State Chief Information Security Officer, in consultation with the Commission, shall establish a process for a public service company to report cybersecurity incidents under paragraph (1) of this subsection, including establishing: (i) the criteria for determining the circumstances under which a cybersecurity incident must be reported; (ii) the manner in which a cybersecurity incident must be reported; and (iii) the time period within which a cybersecurity incident must be reported. (3) The State Security Operations Center shall immediately notify appropriate State and local agencies of a cybersecurity incident reported under this subsection.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-401

Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle or by other law, the provisions of this subtitle are not subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-402

(a) This subtitle does not authorize a corporation to take or use property unless just compensation, as agreed on with the owner or awarded by a jury, has been paid or tendered to the parties entitled to compensation or paid into court. (b) This subtitle does not authorize the location of a public road on private property without the consent of the owner or the decision of the county commissioners or county council after notice and an opportunity to be heard as required by law for opening or altering public roads.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-403

(a) This section applies to a domestic or foreign corporation that is or may become engaged in the business of transmitting or supplying natural gas, artificial gas, or a mixture of natural and artificial gases. (b) Subject to subsection (c) of this section, a corporation described in subsection (a) of this section may acquire by condemnation, in accordance with Title 12 of the Real Property Article, rights-of-way or easements necessary to lay, construct, modify, repair, maintain, operate, and remove pipelines and appurtenances to pipelines for transmitting and supplying gas. (c) (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a corporation may not condemn rights-of-way or easements under subsection (b) of this section unless the corporation: (i) 1. transmits gas directly to local consumers in the State along the corporation’s proposed rights-of-way; and 2. offers to contract with those local consumers to supply them directly with gas on terms and conditions subject to the approval of the Commission; and (ii) has certified to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation the name and address of a resident agent of the corporation in the State, service of process on whom shall bind the corporation until the appointment of a substitute is certified to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation. (2) Paragraph (1) of this subsection does not affect the right of a corporation that was transmitting natural gas, artificial gas, or a mixture of natural and artificial gases for public use through one or more pipelines in the State on or before June 1, 1931, to condemn for public use necessary rights-of-way or easements for: (i) a pipeline or appurtenances to a pipeline in use on or before June 1, 1931; (ii) any incidental relocations of a pipeline or appurtenances to a pipeline in use on or before June 1, 1931; or (iii) any additional pipelines or appurtenances to pipelines along and on the same routes or along and on any incidental relocations of a pipeline or appurtenances to a pipeline in use on or before June 1, 1931. (d) This section does not affect the application of any provision of this article that applies generally or specifically to a corporation that is or may become engaged in the business of transmitting or supplying natural gas, artificial gas, or a mixture of natural and artificial gases.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-404

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Oil pipeline corporation” means a corporation of this State, any other state, or the United States, that is: (i) engaged in the business of transporting refined petroleum products by pipeline as a common carrier public service corporation; and (ii) subject to the jurisdiction of either the United States Department of Energy (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) or the Commission. (3) (i) “Property” means real property in fee simple or any lesser right, interest, or estate that is necessary for the intrastate or interstate purposes of the oil pipeline corporation or both. (ii) “Property” includes: 1. privately owned property; 2. property owned by a public body; and 3. property devoted to public use if an acquisition under this section does not materially interfere with that public use. (b) An oil pipeline corporation that is operating an oil pipeline that existed in the State on or before July 1, 1978, may acquire by condemnation, in accordance with Title 12 of the Real Property Article, any property necessary to: (1) operate those existing oil pipelines and appurtenances; or (2) construct and operate additional oil pipelines and appurtenances along, on, adjacent to, or incidentally deviating not more than 50 feet from the routes followed by the corporation’s existing rights–of–way. (c) The right to acquire property under this section may be exercised only in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Cecil, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, and Prince George’s counties and Baltimore City. (d) (1) An oil pipeline corporation shall restore to its original condition any property used for construction or maintenance of a pipeline. (2) (i) Except as provided in subparagraph (ii) of this paragraph, the construction or maintenance of the pipeline and the restoration of the property shall be completed within 7 days after the start of the construction or maintenance on that parcel of property. (ii) If weather conditions or the nature of the terrain make completion within 7 days unfeasible, the oil pipeline corporation shall complete the construction or maintenance of the pipeline and the restoration of the property within 30 days. (e) (1) The right to acquire property under this section may not be exercised unless the oil pipeline corporation, whether or not it is otherwise subject to the jurisdiction of the Commission, first obtains an order from the Commission finding the acquisition to be in the public interest. (2) Before the Commission makes a finding and issues an order under this subsection, the Commission shall hold a public hearing. (3) The oil pipeline corporation shall give written notice of the public hearing to all affected property owners. (f) This section does not affect any other law of the State that applies generally or specifically to oil pipeline corporations.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-405

(a) A railroad company or its authorized agent may agree with the owner to purchase, use, occupy, or divert the owner’s land, earth, gravel, stone, timber, streams, materials, or improvements that the company wants for the proper construction or repair of the railroad company’s roads or works. (b) The company may acquire the property by condemnation under Title 12 of the Real Property Article if: (1) the company cannot agree with the owner of the property; or (2) an owner: (i) is a minor, is adjudged to be mentally incompetent, or is under any other legal disability to contract; or (ii) is absent from the county in which the property is located when the company wants the property.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-406

(a) (1) A railroad company may change the location or grade of any portion of its road if the company finds the change is necessary for any reasonable cause, including to avoid: (i) inconvenience to public travel; (ii) dangerous or difficult curves or grades; or (iii) unsafe or unsubstantial grounds or foundations. (2) A change of location or grade under this section shall follow the general route of the existing road. (3) A railroad company may enter on and take land and make surveys necessary to make the change in location or grade in accordance with Title 12 of the Real Property Article. (b) (1) A railroad company is liable to the owner of the land on which the road was constructed for any damages caused by a change in location or grade of the road. (2) The amount of damages determined shall be paid to the owner or deposited into court. (3) An owner shall claim damages within: (i) 30 days after actual notice of the intended change has been given to the owner, if the owner resides on the premises; or (ii) 60 days after publication of notice in a newspaper in general circulation in the county, if the owner is a nonresident. (c) If a railroad company condemns land under this section, the condemnation is binding on the company, unless the company chooses to abandon the location within 30 days after making the condemnation.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-407

(a) A railroad company and the municipal corporation, public officer, or public authority that owns or has control of any road, street, alley, or other public way or ground necessary to locate any part of the railroad may agree on the manner, terms, and conditions allowing the railroad company to use or occupy the road, street, alley, or other public way or ground. (b) If the parties are unable to agree and the railroad company needs to use or occupy the road, street, alley, or other public way or ground, the railroad company may acquire the property by condemnation in accordance with Title 12 of the Real Property Article. (c) (1) A railroad company that lays track on any public street, road, alley, or other public way or ground is responsible for any damage done by the location of the track to private property on or near the public way or ground. (2) The owner of the private property shall bring a civil action for damages under this subsection within 2 years after the completion of the track. (d) A railroad company may not pass through Baltimore City without the consent of the Mayor and City Council.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-408

The power of a railroad company to condemn land and other property under this subtitle includes the power to condemn, for railroad purposes, private crossings or ways and land and other property to provide substitute outlets.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-409

Sections 5-405, 5-406, and 5-407 of this subtitle apply to all railroads operated by electricity, cable, or other improved motive power, whether the property proposed to be condemned is located in a county or Baltimore City, where streets and alleys have not been opened and occupied as city streets.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-410

(a) This section applies to: (1) a telegraph company that has its principal office in the State; (2) a telephone company that has its principal office in the State; (3) a corporation formed as a Class 13 corporation under Article 23, § 28 of the Code of 1904; and (4) a telephone company that owns lines and provides local exchange or interexchange service in the State with the approval of the Commission. (b) A company described in subsection (a) of this section has the same power granted to telegraph and telephone companies by §§ 8-103, 8-104, 8-105, and 8-106(a) of this article and may: (1) construct and lay lines underground or above ground on any route for which it is authorized to construct lines as a whole or in part; and (2) except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, acquire by condemnation, in accordance with Title 12 of the Real Property Article, any property or right that the company considers necessary for its purposes. (c) (1) Before using either the surface of or the ground beneath the streets or highways of Baltimore City, the company shall obtain the consent of the Mayor and City Council. (2) This subsection does not apply to corporations that were in practical operation on June 1, 1910, and that had laid or constructed lines, pipes, mains, or other structures in Baltimore City, unless the corporations use new and additional streets and highways in Baltimore City for their lines, pipes, mains, or other structures. (d) This section does not authorize a telephone company described in subsection (a)(4) of this section that, as of September 30, 1993, did not have the power of condemnation granted to a telegraph company under §§ 8-103, 8-104, 8-105, and 8-106(a) of this article, to acquire property for communications towers or buildings.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-411

A water company may acquire by condemnation, in accordance with Title 12 of the Real Property Article, any land or water rights that the company is authorized to acquire to lay pipes or construct its work, if: (1) the company cannot agree with the owner of the land or water rights; or (2) an owner: (i) is a minor, is adjudged to be mentally incompetent, or is under any other legal disability to contract; or (ii) when the company needs the land or water rights, is absent from the county or city in which the property is located.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-501

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Account holder” means the individual in whose name a utility account is established. (3) “Utility” means an electric company, an electricity supplier, a gas company, a gas supplier, a sewage disposal company, a water company, or any combination of these companies. (b) If an account holder’s surviving spouse presents to a utility the account holder’s death certificate and their marriage certificate or a State or federal tax return filed jointly by the account holder and the surviving spouse in the immediately preceding year, the utility shall, without requiring any further information, other than updated contact information, or imposing any fee or penalty: (1) temporarily keep the account open for a period of not less than 6 months and, during that time, treat the surviving spouse as a joint holder of the account; or (2) transfer the account to the surviving spouse. (c) Notwithstanding subsection (b)(1) of this section, a utility may: (1) in accordance with any other applicable law, impose a fee or penalty or terminate an account for nonpayment; or (2) at the request of the surviving spouse, close the account.

Md. Code, Public Utilities § 5-502

(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) “Abuse” has the meaning stated in § 4–501(b) of the Family Law Article. (3) “Account holder” means an individual in whose name a utility account is maintained individually or jointly with other individuals. (4) “Offender” means an individual who commits an act of abuse. (5) “Qualified third party” means: (i) a licensed physician or psychologist authorized to practice under the Health Occupations Article; (ii) a social worker or caseworker of any public or private health or social services agency or provider; or (iii) an advocate from a domestic violence or sexual assault prevention or assistance program. (6) “Report by a qualified third party” means a report based on information received by a qualified third party while acting in a professional capacity that: (i) indicates that the account holder is seeking assistance as a result of being a victim of abuse; and (ii) includes the following information: 1. the name of the account holder; 2. the date, time, location, and a brief description of the incident; 3. the name and physical description of the alleged offender, if known; 4. the name and address of the employer of the qualified third party; 5. if the qualified third party is required to be licensed, the licensing entity and license number of the qualified third party; 6. the signature of the qualified third party, under seal of a notary public; and 7. the acknowledgment and signature of the account holder under penalty of perjury. (7) “Utility” means an electric company, an electricity supplier, a gas company, a gas supplier, a sewage disposal company, a water company, or any combination of these companies. (b) (1) Subject to subsections (c) and (d) of this section, if an account holder is a victim of abuse, the account holder may terminate, and the utility shall allow for the termination of, the account holder’s future liability under a utility contract if the account holder provides the utility with written notice by first–class mail or hand delivery of the account holder’s request for termination of the account holder’s future liability under the contract. (2) The notice required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include: (i) a copy of an enforceable final protective order issued for the benefit of the account holder under § 4–506 of the Family Law Article; (ii) a copy of an enforceable final peace order, for which the underlying act was an act of abuse, issued for the benefit of the account holder under § 3–1505 of the Courts Article; or (iii) a copy of a report by a qualified third party if: 1. the name and physical description of the alleged offender are redacted; and 2. the report was signed by the qualified third party within the 60 days immediately preceding the date the notice is provided under paragraph (1) of this subsection. (c) An account holder who terminates a utility contract under subsection (b) of this section is responsible for utility charges only up to and including the billing cycle during which the written notice required under subsection (b) of this section is submitted. (d) If an account holder terminates a utility contract under subsection (b) of this section, the utility shall allow the account holder to open a new utility account for a new premises notwithstanding an account balance or arrearage at the premises described in the written notice under subsection (b) of this section.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatutesFetched: 10/16/2026