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    Maryland Smart Energy Communities

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     UPDATE: Governor Larry Hogan issued an executive order​ on March 12th mandating teleworking for non-essential state employees across all state agencies in response to COVID-19. During this time, Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and Maryland Smart Energy Community (MSEC) program staff can be reached via MSEC.MEA@Maryland.gov Information submitted to MEA by postal mail may have processing times affected by the office closure. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we appreciate your understanding.

    UPDATE: January 2021

    ​The Maryland Smart Energy Communities (MSEC) program for Fiscal Year 2021 (FY21) is closed and no longer accepting applications. The FY21 program budget is $1,080,000 and is earmarked for existing MSEC communities as well as first-time applicants (new communities): incorporated towns, cities or counties in Maryland. MSEC funding is designated for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and transportation fossil-fuel-reduction projects.

    For more information, contact MEA regarding MSEC by e-mail at MSEC.MEA@Maryland.gov ​or by phone at 410-537-4000 or dial 443-694-3358 to speak with the program manager, Briggs Cunningham​.

    See ​the MSEC Fiscal Year 2020 full list of awardees here on our news page​.

    Follow MEA on social media for updates: Facebook I Twitter I Linkedin​

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    Goals

     

    The goal of the Maryland Smart Energy Communities program is to support​ local governments as they adopt smart-energy policies and commit to them for the long term. Communities will benefit from sustained reduction of energy usage, cost savings, and additional opportunities for renewable energy development.​

    Related Programs

    Benefits of Participating

     

    Becoming a Smart Energy Community will result in:

    • A grant from MEA to kick-start your energy goals and eligibility for future MSEC grants
    • Reduced utility and fuel expenses
    • Participate in local sustainability initiatives
    • Greenhouse gas emissions reduction
    • Statewide recognition as a leader in energy conservation and sustainability

    Requirements

     

    What policies must be adopted?

    Local governments must adopt at least two of the three following policies (policies are subject to change):

    Energy Efficiency

    Establish an energy efficiency policy with the goal of reducing energy consumption in government buildings by 15% within five years of the baseline year through efficiency policies.

    Renewable Energy

    Establish a renewable energy policy to meet 20% of those building's electricity demand with distributed, renewable energy generation within five years of the baseline year.​

    Transportation

    Establish a transportation-focused policy to reduce petroleum consumption for all government vehicles, and establish a comprehensive program designed to reduce the baseline by 20% within five years of the baseline year. ​

     

    Who Is Eligible?

     

    The MSEC Grant Program is available to all incorporated towns, cities, and counties in Maryland.  Communities that apply for the program and commit to meeting the three deliverable requirements may receive funding based on availability.  Full project funds are made available only when communities complete the deliverables as specified by MEA.​

    How much funding is available?

     

     The FY21 program budget is $1,080,000 and is available for existing MSEC communities as well as first-time applicants (new communities): incorporated towns, cities or counties in Maryland.  Funding is available for energy efficiency, renewable energy and transportation projects.

    How to Apply

    Additional Information

     

    For more information, contact us via e-mail at MSEC.MEA@Maryland.gov or by phone at 410-537-4000.​

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