Program Purpose: The Maryland Energy Administration is pleased to announce the launch of the new “Megawatts for Maryland” Program. The program’s purpose is to award grants to offset a portion of the project costs associated with the development and construction of grid-scale renewable energy generation and energy storage projects. Incentive levels will be determined through a closed bid auction; Grants will be awarded to eligible bidders requesting the lowest price from the auction.
The Program was established by the Maryland General Assembly’s passage of the Utility RELIEF Act of 2026, is codified in §9–20E–01 et seq. of the State Government Article, Annotated Code of Maryland, and allocates up to $200 million for 2 fiscal years.
Webinar Registration and Recording: MEA will host a webinar on Wednesday, November 4 at 2pm. To attend and submit questions in advance, register using the link below:
Office Hours: MEA will host weekly office hours from 11am - 12pm EST on the following Mondays in September and October:
- September 21, 2026
- September 28, 2026
- October 5, 2026
- October 12, 2026
- October 19, 2026
- October 26, 2026
To attend the office hours please register using the link below:
Anticipated Budget: Up to $100 million for Fiscal Year 2027. (An additional $100 million is anticipated for Fiscal Year 2028.)
Type of Grant Program: Competitive Auction (closed bids)
This auction program will be offered statewide on a competitive basis for eligible applications through a two-stage process:
- Stage 1: The applicant submits a preliminary application. The applicant awaits feedback from MEA. MEA notifies the applicant if eligible to proceed to Stage 2.
- Stage 2: If the application is approved by MEA in Stage 1, the applicant is eligible to submit a final bid price and additional supporting documentation in Stage 2.
Eligible Bidders: Renewable energy and energy storage project developers:
- Eligible entity types: Businesses
- The applicant must be the entity that will execute the MEA grant agreement and be designated as the grant funding recipient. The applicant may meet all of the minimum eligibility requirements on its own or may have one or more Project Sponsor(s).
- The Project Sponsor(s) means any entity with direct or indirect equity ownership of the project whose role in the project is necessary to meet the minimum eligibility requirements. A project sponsor may assist with application materials and communicate with MEA, but cannot sign and submit the application.
Eligible Activities: The following types of development and construction projects are eligible:
Tier 1 Renewable Energy Sources: click
here for the list of “Tier 1 renewable sources”, as defined by §7–701 of the Public Utilities Article, Annotated Code of Maryland.
Selection of Grant Recipients: MEA may reject bids that do not meet specific eligibility requirements. MEA will award grants to eligible bidders requesting the lowest price per megawatt hour from the auction.
Funding Opportunity Announcement Issue Date: October 26, 2026
Application Deadline:
Stage 1: November 30, 2026
Stage 2: January 22, 2027
Anticipated Notification of Grant Award or Non-Award: Spring 2027
Online Application Portal Status: Open to New Applications
Request for Information (RFI): The Maryland Energy Administration
issued an RFI on May 12, 2026 to seek preliminary feedback by June 17, 2026 from project developers, contractors, financial investors, utilities, local governments, landowners, community organizations, Maryland residents, and other stakeholders to inform the program parameters and process. MEA encourages additional stakeholders to connect or sign up for the program email list by contacting
[email protected].
