News Detail

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
11/3/2025

Contact: Tim Zink | 443-758-7344

Maryland Renews Commitment to Improving Energy Performance in Commercial and Industrial Buildings

State’s investments enable businesses to convert excess energy expenses into bottom line cash flow

BALTIMORE – The Maryland Energy Administration today announced the opening of the application window for the Fiscal Year 2026 Commercial & Industrial Grant Program, a proven-effective resource for building owners across Maryland looking to improve energy performance beyond existing codes – cutting their utility bills and overall energy demand.

The Commercial & Industrial Grant Program has a total FY26 program budget of $8.4 million. Typical award values will be approximately $100,000 to $250,000 per project, with $500,000 as an absolute maximum for any single award.

The long-running program has new enhancements for this year and now offers 100% cost reimbursement to awardees when 50% or more of their facility clientele comes from populations experiencing low income. Otherwise, successful proposals are among those that result in 20% or more annual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Award values will be proportional to the proposed volume of emission reductions.

“These grants are proven to accelerate investment in energy-efficient technologies that reduce energy waste and emissions. They also stimulate transactions that generate business growth and jobs,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “Energy improvements are one of the very few investment opportunities that benefit all sectors of the economy, in every corner of Maryland. Energy performance improvements also can offset rising future energy prices, saving Maryland businesses money over the long term.”

The agency will accept applications until Friday, January 30, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Projects must meet all eligibility requirements to be considered for award funding. The agency will score for quality, with awards being issued in rank order until the program budget is depleted. This year’s program is NOT first-come, first-served, so applicants are encouraged to take their time and to document their applications fully. Disbursement of grant funds is achieved upon successful project completion. Full program information and application materials can be found in the program’s Funding Opportunity Announcement.

Please contact Program Manager Christopher Russell at [email protected] or via (443) 908-1767 with any questions or concerns regarding eligibility or requirements.

The Maryland Energy Administration promotes clean, affordable, reliable energy and energy-related greenhouse gas emission reductions to benefit Marylanders in a just and equitable manner. For more information about the agency, visit us on our website at Energy.Maryland.gov, and follow us on social media: LinkedIn | X | Facebook.

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