ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced on May 5, 2025, that Maryland has joined eight Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states in launching a joint strategic action plan to enhance interregional electricity transmission. The Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission, a first-of-its-kind effort, aims to reduce consumer costs and improve energy system reliability by addressing gaps in transmission planning. The collaborative includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
“Increased transmission capacity can provide consumer cost savings and reduce the need for fossil-fueled power plants that exist solely to meet peak demand,” said Gov. Moore. “This collaboration illustrates exactly why state-led action is so important to achieving our energy, environmental, and economic goals.”
The strategic action plan outlines near-term and mid-term steps for the participating states. Near-term actions include issuing a Request for Information to identify potential interregional transmission projects that qualify for development. The plan also emphasizes standardizing transmission equipment to lower development costs. These efforts are designed to streamline coordination among states, regional grid operators, and federal agencies to deliver reliable and affordable energy.
The collaborative was formed following a 2023 request to the U.S. Department of Energy to explore how ISO New England, New York ISO, and PJM Interconnection could improve electricity flow between regions. In 2024, the nine states signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a framework for coordination, identifying the strategic action plan as a key milestone. Since then, the group has engaged federal agencies and technical experts to assess shared priorities for interregional transmission cooperation.
The plan addresses regulatory and technical barriers that have historically limited interregional transmission projects. By promoting solutions that enhance grid reliability and reduce reliance on fossil fuel plants, the collaborative seeks to deliver significant benefits to consumers. For Maryland, participation aligns with state goals to advance clean energy and economic efficiency while ensuring a stable power supply.
The collaborative’s work builds on regional grid operators’ existing efforts to manage electricity distribution across state lines. ISO New England, New York ISO, and PJM Interconnection oversee complex systems that balance supply and demand, and the strategic action plan aims to improve their coordination. By identifying specific projects and standardizing equipment, the collaborative hopes to accelerate the development of transmission infrastructure that can handle growing energy demands.
Maryland’s involvement reflects Governor Moore’s commitment to regional cooperation on energy challenges. The state has prioritized investments in clean energy and grid modernization, and this collaborative effort complements those initiatives. The strategic action plan is expected to guide future policy decisions, with the Request for Information serving as a critical step to identify viable projects.
The Northeast States Collaborative represents a model for state-led action on energy policy. By pooling resources and expertise, the nine states aim to create a more resilient and cost-effective energy grid. As the collaborative moves forward, it will continue to work with federal partners to secure funding and regulatory support for priority projects. The strategic action plan marks a significant step toward a more interconnected and sustainable energy future for the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
