Maryland V2G Rules Enable Sunrun-BGE Pilot
- EVs Infrastructure & Grid Connection Regulatory
Marin Holt
- 0
- 6 minutes read
- Maryland PSC adopted first US comprehensive V2G interconnection rules
- Rules effective July 7, 2025 under DRIVE Act (H.B. 1256)
- Two pathways: DC systems follow storage rules; AC systems have new process
- Backup-only V2G systems exempt from full interconnection review
- Sunrun-BGE pilot using Ford F-150 Lightning is first US V2G program
Maryland became the first U.S. state to adopt comprehensive vehicle-to-grid interconnection rules when the Public Service Commission unanimously approved regulations under COMAR 20.50, effective July 7, 2025. The rules, mandated by the DRIVE Act (H.B. 1256) signed by Governor Moore in May 2024, establish two certification pathways for V2G systems and enabled Sunrun and Baltimore Gas and Electric to activate the first V2G distributed power plant using Ford F-150 Lightning trucks.
Critical Perspective
Maryland’s COMAR 20.50 rules, effective July 7, 2025, aim to integrate 9.6 kW V2G systems, but the $1,000 household incentive for the Sunrun-BGE pilot is a fraction of the F-150 Lightning’s potential value. This regulatory push mirrors California’s ambitious but slow V2G interconnection efforts, which have yet to yield widespread grid-scale deployment. The 2014 Tesla Powerwall launch promised grid services, yet its primary adoption remained residential energy storage, not grid support. Given the strict UL 1741 SC and SAE J3072 certification mandates, how many current EV owners can afford the necessary hardware upgrades to participate?
Interconnection Framework
The rules create distinct pathways for V2G DC systems (stationary inverters, existing storage rules) and V2G AC systems (UL 1741 SC paired with SAE J3072, or UL 1741 SB composite certification). Backup-only bidirectional systems require only utility notification rather than full interconnection study. Equipment can operate in load-only mode initially, with grid-parallel export activated after interconnection request.
Sunrun-BGE Pilot Results
Sunrun partnered with Exelon subsidiary BGE on a DOE-funded pilot enrolling Ford F-150 Lightning trucks to discharge up to 9.6 kW each during 5-9 PM peak hours on summer weekdays July through September 2025. Households received up to $1,000 for the dispatch season. The pilot demonstrated aggregating EV batteries as a virtual power plant. The Vehicle-Grid Integration Council is advancing similar frameworks in California, Nevada, New York, and Colorado to establish national consistency.
Critical Analysis
Maryland COMAR 20.50 V2G rules require bidirectional EVSE certification to UL 1741 SC plus SAE J3072 or UL 1741 SB composite, mandating IEEE 1547-2018 Section 11.3.1 harmonic compliance with THDi below 5% per individual voltage harmonic at 9.6 kW discharge (Ford F-150 Lightning maximum export rate). V2G discharge during 5-9 PM BGE peaks reduces residential distribution transformer loading and can defer substation upgrades; uncoordinated post-peak charging rebound creates a secondary demand spike requiring VPP controller management.
5-Year Projection
Within 5 years, these regulatory frameworks surrounding Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) will strictly govern hardware procurement, rendering non-compliant legacy systems obsolete.
Enforcement Reality
The newly adopted rules establish a framework for Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) interconnection in Maryland. However, specific penalties for utility non-compliance are not detailed within the current regulations. Utilities are required to submit Distributed Energy Resource (DER) compensation proposals by June 30, 2025. The absence of a defined rate structure at this time means the economic viability of V2G remains theoretical. The AC pathway for V2G interconnection necessitates compliance with IEEE 1547-2018 standards, a certification held by few vehicles currently available. The Ford F-150 Lightning is noted as the only vehicle in the US market with V2G hardware, and its fleet scale is presently limited. A key question remains whether Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) will be able to process interconnection applications at scale.
Why It Matters
Maryland has become the first state to implement comprehensive V2G interconnection rules, creating a regulatory framework that other states are expected to examine. This legislation, stemming from the DRIVE Act (H.B. 1256) signed in 2024, transforms Electric Vehicles (EVs) from potential grid loads into valuable grid assets. With millions of EVs projected in the future, even a small percentage of V2G participation could contribute significantly to distributed energy storage capacity.
