Resource Adequacy and State Policy Responses
Q: What conversations are you having with state policymakers on resource adequacy issues after the PJM capacity auction?
A: We, along with PJM and other stakeholders, have been signaling concerns about resource adequacy for some time. We're engaged in regular meetings with policymakers in Illinois, Maryland, and Pennsylvania to address challenges in providing reliable, resilient, and affordable power. The recent PJM capacity price signals indicate a need for infrastructure investments, particularly in generation and transmission. We're focused on ensuring reliability and resilience for our customers. -

Customer Bill Impacts and Transmission Investment
Q: What could be the customer bill impacts after the PJM auction, especially for BGE, and will you advocate for accelerating transmission procurement?
A: We're still calculating the exact figures, but in some jurisdictions, including BGE, customers can expect double-digit increases year-over-year due to capacity constraints. This underscores the need to find solutions, whether through more generation or transmission investments, to manage affordability for our customers. We're proactively working on this and focusing on expanding programs that help customers manage their bills. -

Illinois Grid Plan Agreements and Regulatory Process
Q: Could you discuss the agreements with parties on the Illinois grid plan and whether settlements make a difference in the regulatory process?
A: After receiving feedback from the commission in December, we've actively engaged with stakeholders and staff to address specific compliance and policy issues cited by the commissioners. We've reached agreements that align with the commission's expectations, which is a significant step forward. We believe these agreements demonstrate progress and will positively influence the upcoming regulatory proceedings. - -

Data Center Growth and State Support
Q: What is your perspective on state support for attracting data centers, and are you seeing any evidence of pushback?
A: We're seeing a lot of momentum, with our states passing legislation to provide tax benefits to attract data centers. There's no shift in state support; they continue to see opportunities for jobs and economic development. For example, in Illinois, we've seen robust development, with over 5 gigawatts in engineering phases and another 13 gigawatts in prospects. Our other jurisdictions, like Maryland and Pennsylvania, are also seeing increased interest. - - -

Co-Location Issue and FERC Resolution
Q: How do you want FERC to resolve the broader issue related to the Susquehanna protest and co-location?
A: We're not against co-location but believe users of the grid should pay their fair share. Our protest is about rate design and ensuring that policy isn't determined on a one-off basis. We're participating in the FERC proceeding and expect to learn more soon. We'll continue to focus on economic development while ensuring affordability and reliability for all customers. -

Investment Focus in Illinois Considering Low ROE
Q: With the low ROE received in the last Illinois rate case, will your investments focus more on transmission rather than distribution?
A: Our investments in Illinois are a mix of distribution and transmission. While the low ROE affects distribution investments, we have an obligation to serve new customers and support economic development. High-density growth areas are seeing more transmission investments. New business under the multi-year plan is outside the cost cap on distribution reconciliation, so we need to get that work done for the benefit of all. -

FERC Filing with AEP and Utility Collaboration
Q: How did you collaborate with AEP on the FERC filing, and did you solicit other utilities' support?
A: We responded quickly to the filing as we aim to be a leader in investment and affordability. While there was a timeline for response, we focus on ensuring that the investment meets the needs of our customers and that everyone has a fair allocation of grid costs. We're open to working with anyone on these rate-making issues. -

Maryland Senate Bill 1 and Legislative Priorities
Q: What are your legislative priorities regarding Maryland's Senate Bill 1 and the co-location study?
A: We'll engage in the affordability discussion and its impact on all customers. The process established by the General Assembly allows for a public and inclusive discussion with all stakeholders involved. We want to ensure that all customers have a voice in this process to develop good policy moving forward. -

Potential State Mechanisms for Generation Ownership
Q: Are you looking at a state mechanism to potentially own peaking assets within rates?
A: We're working with our commissions on all types of scenarios and believe nothing should be taken off the table. We need to address resource adequacy issues while ensuring affordability and equity are at the forefront of all discussions. -

Data Center Pipeline and Geographical Distribution
Q: Could you provide additional color on your data center project pipeline and the momentum you're seeing across different states?
A: We've seen robust interest in Illinois, with over 5 gigawatts in engineering phases and 13 gigawatts in prospects. Other jurisdictions like Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania are also experiencing significant interest, and we're committed to supporting data centers as they come. - -