§7–1302.

    (a)    There is a Strategic Energy Planning Office.

    (b)    (1)    The head of the Office is the Director.

        (2)    (i)    The Director shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate.

            (ii)    The term of the Director is 5 years and begins on July 1.

            (iii)    At the end of a term, the Director continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

            (iv)    A Director who is appointed after a term has begun serves for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

            (v)    A Director may serve more than one term.

        (3)    The Governor may remove the Director for incompetence or misconduct in accordance with § 3–307 of the State Government Article.

        (4)    The Director is entitled to a salary as provided in the State budget.

    (c)    (1)    The Office shall have the staff provided for in the State budget.

        (2)    The Office may hire private consultants if necessary to carry out the requirements of this subtitle.

    (d)    In order to carry out the requirements of this subtitle, the Office shall collaborate with:

        (1)    the Maryland Energy Administration;

        (2)    the Commission;

        (3)    the Power Plant Research Program;

        (4)    the Maryland Clean Energy Center; and

        (5)    the Department of the Environment.

    (e)    The Office shall coordinate with the Commission to establish procedures and rules to obtain information from electric companies and gas companies necessary to accomplish the Office’s duties under this subtitle.