Within the realm of MEA’s mission
of promoting affordable and reliable energy, MEA strongly supports energy
efficiency and conservation programs developed pursuant to the EmPOWER Maryland
Energy Efficiency Act (codified at Md. Code Ann., Public Utilities § 7-211). In enacting the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act in 2008,
the Maryland General Assembly noted that “energy efficiency is among the least
expensive ways to meet the growing electricity demands of the State” (Id.§ 7-211(b)). EmPOWER programs have the potential to provide cost-effective long-term benefits, including reduced energy consumption and rates, avoided investments in energy transmission and distribution, job creation, and improvements to the environment.
EmPOWER programs are managed by the following companies:
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE), Potomac Edison Company (PE),
Delmarva Power & Light (Delmarva), Potomac Electric Power Company
(PEPCO), Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SMECO), and
Washington Gas Light Company (WGL), with the exception of programs for
low-income customers, which the Maryland Department of Housing and Community
Development (DHCD) administers. Programs include lighting and appliance
rebates for homeowners, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR (including home
energy assessments and 50% rebates for energy improvements like insulation and
air sealing), commercial lighting rebates, and energy efficiency services for industrial
facilities. If you are a residential, commercial, or industrial customer, you
can find incentives offered by your utility using the links below.