The Maryland Public Service Commission will hold a public hearing on February 4, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in Beallsville and virtually, to gather comments on Chaberton Solar Sugarloaf I, LLC’s proposal to build a 4.0 MW solar facility in Dickerson, MD, with additional written comments accepted until February 7.
Per the news release: “Local residents and other interested members of the public are again invited to comment on a proposal by Chaberton Solar Sugarloaf I, LLC to construct a 4.0 MW solar generating facility in Montgomery County. The hearing will take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. at the Upper Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Department, located at 19801 Beallsville Road in Beallsville. Public Utility Law Judge Jennifer J. Grace will preside. The first public comment hearing in this case was held on July 10, 2024.
In March 2024, Chaberton Solar Sugarloaf applied to the Maryland Public Service Commission for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN), which grants an applicant the authority to construct an energy-generating station or high-voltage transmission line in Maryland. According to the application, the solar facility, intended as part of Maryland’s community solar program, would be built on approximately 16 acres of a nearly 53-acre parcel at 20507 Darnestown Road, near the intersection of Darnestown Road and Dickerson Road, in Dickerson.
The hearing will include a virtual option for those unable to attend in person. To participate virtually, please sign up in advance by sending an email to [email protected] by noon on February 3, 2025. Participants will receive an email with the link to join the virtual platform. A recording of the hearing will also be available on the Public Utility Law Judge Division’s YouTube channel (MD PSC PULJs): https://bit.ly/2X6wLiP.
The hearing will feature a presentation by the developer, followed by brief statements from the Power Plant Research Program of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources; Montgomery County; the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission; the Maryland Office of People’s Counsel; and the Commission’s Technical Staff. Members of the public will then have an opportunity to comment on the proposed project.
In addition to the hearing, written comments can be submitted electronically through the Commission’s online portal at https://www.psc.state.md.us/make-a-public-comment/ or by mail, postmarked by February 7, 2025. Comments sent by mail should be addressed to: Jamie Bergin, Chief Clerk, Maryland Public Service Commission, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202. All comments should reference Case No. 9726 to ensure they are noted in the correct case file.
For public review, the application is also available at the Poolesville Town Hall, located at 19721 Beall Street in Poolesville.”