# Public Utilities (GPU)

## Title 4. Rate Regulation

### Subtitle 2. Rate Setting Proceedings

#### Section 4-214

(a) In this section, "nonpipeline alternative" means an investment or activity that defers, reduces, or eliminates the need to construct a new gas pipeline.

(b) Nothing in this section may be construed to restrict an investor-owned gas company's ability to make improvements to its gas system to ensure the safe and reliable operation of the system.

(c) An investor-owned gas company may recover reasonable and prudent costs associated with a planned gas infrastructure investment if the investor-owned gas company demonstrates at a rate setting proceeding:

  (1) the customer benefits of the investment;

  (2) that the investor-owned gas company analyzed cost-effective options available to defer, reduce, or eliminate the need to replace, upgrade, or construct new components, including an analysis of:

    (i) for new investments unrelated to safety, nonpipeline alternatives; and

    (ii) leak detection and repair; and

  (3) the estimated risk reduction associated with a safety-related investment, if applicable.

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Md. Code Ann., Pub. Util. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)