Programs

Maryland renewable energy and energy efficiency

Renewable energy and energy efficiency programs exist in the state of Maryland across a wide range of technology types and are available for commercial, residential, and utility-scale customers.

A history of renewable energy and energy efficiency in Maryland

In 1999, the Maryland General Assembly passed a bill that deregulated Maryland's electric market, meaning that consumers can now choose their electricity provider.¹ In 2008, Maryland's General Assembly decided that energy efficiency was among the most cost-effective ways to meet the state's growing electricity needs, and passed the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act, which created the goal of reducing per capita electricity use and peak demand by 15% by 2015.² After the expiration of EmPOWER Maryland, the Public Service Commission, which had been in charge of its implementation, continued to require utilities to establish programs that it deemed appropriate for energy efficiency and energy conservation. In 2017, Maryland established a tax credit program for energy storage, becoming the first state to do so.³

Maryland's Renewable Portfolio Standard

Maryland first passed its Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard in May of 2004, and has since revised it numerous times. In 2017, state legislators voted to override a veto by Governor Hogan, which enacted HB 1106. This new law increased the state's RPS requirement from its previous 20% by 2020 to its current 25% by 2020. In 2019, Maryland increased its RPS to 50% by 2030. The state of Maryland has also created carve-outs for solar and offshore wind to help further these technologies.⁴

Important renewable energy organizations in Maryland

One important organization in the state of Maryland is the Maryland Public Service Commission (Maryland PSC). Maryland PSC was originally established in 1910 by the Maryland General Assembly with the purpose of regulating public utilities and a few passenger transportation companies. Later, the responsibilities of Maryland PSC would expand to include other types of public service companies, including telecommunications, water, railroad, and taxicab companies. Maryland PSC's mission is the ensure that safe, economic, and reliable public utility and transportation services are provided to all the residents of Maryland.

Another important organization active in promoting environmental sustainability and renewable energy in the state of Maryland is the Maryland Office of People's Counsel (Maryland OPC), whose mission is to represent the interests of residential customers of natural gas, telecommunications, electricity, water, and select transportation industries in the state. Originally created in 1924, Maryland OPC is the oldest organization of its kind in the United States. Maryland OPC is a state agency, but works independently to represent consumers. Maryland OPC has a staff of 19 and retains a range of expert consultants in order to better represent the people of Maryland.

The Maryland Department of the Environment is another important renewable energy organization in the state. The Maryland Department of the Environment was created in 1987 to safeguard environment health of Maryland's citizens, conduct research and provide long-term planning for the state, protect and preserve the state's land, air, and water, and to enforce environmental legislation. Additionally, the Maryland Department of the Environment provides communities and industries with technical assistance regarding pollution prevention and other environmental issues. The Department's core values are integration of different programs, innovation, science and technology, performance, partnership with the public and private sectors, service, and employee well-being.

Another important energy organization in the state of Maryland is the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA). MEA aims to promote reliable, affordable, and clean energy in the state of Maryland. MEA does this by advising the Governor and General Assembly on matters relating to energy policy. Additionally, MEA administers residential, commercial, agricultural, and transportation grants and loans to encourage the development of clean energy in Maryland.

Utilities are also important organizations in furthering renewable energy and energy efficiency in Maryland. The state has four major utilities. One of these four is Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), which provides gas and electric service to most of central Maryland. Another of these is Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO), which provides service to most of Montgomery County and Prince George's County, as well as in the District of Columbia. Another is Delmarva Power, which provides electric service in the Lower and Upper Eastern Shore. Delmarva Power and PEPCO are affiliates. The last of these four is Potomac Edison Company, which provides service to Frederick, Washington, and Allegheny Counties, as well as parts of Carroll, Howard, and Montgomery Counties. Additionally, Maryland has two electric cooperatives, namely, Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative and Choptank Electric Cooperative. Maryland also has many smaller municipal utilities operating throughout the state.

Footnotes

1. Switch My Power. “The History of Electricity Deregulation in Maryland.” https://www.switchmypowernow.com/states/maryland/. Accessed October 28, 2020.
2. Maryland Energy Administration. “Empower Maryland.” https://energy.maryland.gov/pages/facts/empower.aspx. Accessed October 28, 2020.
3. Maryland Energy Administration. “Maryland Energy Storage Income Tax Credit.” https://energy.maryland.gov/pages/facts/empower.aspx. Accessed October 28, 2020.
4. DSIRE. “Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard.” https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/1085. Accessed October 28, 2020.