In this Article, the following words have the meanings indicated: Community Choice Aggregator or CCA has the meaning set forth in Maryland Code § 1-101 of the Public Utilities Article, as amended. Director means the Director of the Department of Environmental Protection.

(a) There is within the Department of Environmental Protection a Community Choice Aggregator, as authorized under Maryland Code § 7-510.3 of the Public Utilities Article, as amended, to promote and facilitate the provision of clean and renewable energy to residential and small commercial electric customers within the County. (b) The Director, or their designee, is responsible for all operations and functions of the CCA. (c) The CCA must have the capacity to serve as the electric aggregator for the purpose of negotiating the purchase of electric generation services from an electricity supplier or from an electric generating or storage facility, or providing electricity from an electric generating facility owned by the aggregator for all residential and small commercial electric customers, all as defined in Maryland Code § 1-101 and § 7-510.3 of the Public Utilities Article, as amended, in the County and provide to its customers a percentage of renewable content that exceeds the amount required by the State’s renewable energy portfolio standards, as set forth in Subtitle 7 of the Public Utilities Article of the Maryland Code, and applicable regulation. (d) In its operations, the CCA must prioritize sustainability, cost-efficiency, stability, and predictability in the provision of electricity.

The purchase of electric service by the CCA or by a contractor purchasing electric service on behalf of the CCA is exempt from Chapter 11B, other than Article XII.

(a) Except as provided in Section 18A-54(b), at least 30 days before filing an Aggregation Plan or Aggregation Plan Changes with the Maryland Public Service Commission for approval as required under Maryland Code § 7-510.3 of the Public Utilities Article and Code of Maryland Regulations Sections 20.63.11.02 and 20.63.11.03, the Director must transmit the proposed Aggregation Plan or Aggregation Plan Changes to the County Council. (b) If the Director transmits an Aggregation Plan or Aggregation Plan Changes to the County Council between July 15th and August 31st of a calendar year, the Director must not file the Aggregation Plan or Aggregation Plan Changes with the Maryland Public Service Commission until after September 30th of the same year. If the Director transmits an Aggregation Plan or Aggregation Plan Changes to the County Council between November 15th and December 31st of a calendar year, the Director must not file the Aggregation Plan or Aggregation Plan Changes with the Maryland Public Service Commission until after January 31st of the next year.