The EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act of 2008 created the EmPOWER Maryland program to incentivize energy efficiency and conservation efforts. As part of their EmPOWER Maryland portfolios, Maryland’s five largest electric utilities offer programs to help Maryland’s households and businesses save energy and money through a variety of incentives, such as free or discounted energy audits, weatherization, and efficient appliances.
The following investor-owned utilities pay into EmPOWER:
In 2024, the Maryland General Assembly enacted
House Bill 864, which made updates to the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act. The law requires utilities to add new incentives to help Marylanders make the switch from fossil fuel-powered heating and appliances to efficient, electric alternatives. The law also requires
Choptank Electric Cooperative to begin offering energy efficiency programs to customers.
For low-income customers of EmPOWER utilities, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers the
Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP). This program assists low-income households with installation of energy conservation measures in their homes with zero out-of-pocket expenses.
More information:
For the 2024-2026 program cycle, the Commission has established Case No. 9705. Filings, orders and notices for this program cycle can be found in this
docket.