The Maryland Energy Administration works to maximize energy efficiency in Maryland, reduce reliance on foreign fuel, and improve the environment. The Administration coordinates and directs energy planning for State agencies, and helps local governments implement programs to reduce energy consumption. In addition, the Administration helps Maryland businesses become more competitive by introducing new technologies and developing strategies for emerging competitive energy markets.
During energy supply disruptions and emergencies, the Administration participates in security and contingency planning for Maryland's energy supplies and infrastructure. To minimize energy supply shortages resulting from natural disaster or terrorist action, it participates in emergency preparedness training and may set aside petroleum fuels in an emergency. For power plants, transmission lines, substations, pipelines for natural gas and petroleum, and storage facilities, the Administration works with federal, regional and State authorities to develop protection plans.. It is the lead agency for implementing alternative fuel policy (National Energy Policy Act of 1992). In Maryland, the Administration also conducts the federal Institutional Conservation Program, certain oil overcharge projects, and other programs established by the 1992 federal act.
The Director of the Administration is appointed by the Governor (Code State Government Article, secs. 9-2001 through 9-2005).
Work of the Administration is carried on by four divisions: Clean Energy, Energy Efficiency; Finance and Administration, and Regulatory Strategies and Planning.
Under Clean Energy are BIOMASS Generation; Solar and Wind Grants Programs; and Transportation Bio-Fuels and Clean Production Programs.
SOLAR & WIND GRANTS PROGRAMS
TRANSPORTATION BIO-FUELS & CLEAN PRODUCTION PROGRAMS
COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY
FARM ENERGY AUDITS & INCENTIVES
RESIDENTIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY
STATE GOVERNMENT ENERGY EFFICIENCY
State Agency Loan Program. Managed by this office, the Program provides zero-percent interest loans to State agencies for cost-effective energy improvements in State facilites. Under this program, lighting, controls, and heating and cooling equipment have been upgraded in State buildings.
For infrastructure improvements, training, and maintenance, State Government Energy Efficiency arranges private financing to State and local government agencies. The savings realized from energy upgrades are used to service the debt arranged through the Energy Performance Contract agreement.
CLEAN ENERGY
Clean Energy originated as Renewable Energy, and adopted its present name in 2008.
MARYLAND RENEWABLE ENERGY TASK FORCE
[MARYLAND OFFSHORE WIND TASK FORCE]
The federal Renewable Energy Framework of 2009 (30 CFR, Part 285) authorizes states to form task forces to participate in the planning process for offshore energy leasing. Maryland's task force first met in April 2010.
Clean Energy promotes the use of renewable solar, wind and geothermal energy technologies as clean sources of new electricity generation. Grants are available to Maryland householders to install renewable systems in their homes.
Transportation Bio-Fuels and Clean Production Programs originated as Transportation Programs and adopted its present name in 2011. This office works to reduce fuel consumption through programs that promote the use of alternative fuel vehicles and energy efficiency in transportation. With other State and federal agencies and private associations, the office encourages the use of low-emission vehicles and development of alternative fuels.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Energy Efficiency is responsible for Community Programs; Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency; Farm Audits and Incentives; and Residential Energy Efficiency.
To commercial, industrial, and institutional consumers, the Maryland Energy Administration provides financial assistance to undertake energy efficiency upgrades or conduct energy assessments and measures. Through the Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program businesses receive loans to identify and install energy conservation improvements. Borrowers use the savings from reduced operating costs to repay the loans.
To reduce the amount Maryland farmers spend on petroleum products, gasoline, diesel fuels, natural gas, and other fuels, the Maryland Energy Administration provides energy assessments to farms, and offers cash rebates for the installation of energy efficient equipment. Farms with higher energy use and a higher potential for energy savings must commit to installing the measures recommended in the energy assessment.
Residential Programs promotes energy efficiency in homes. It educates consumers about energy efficient products through the Energy Star Program. It also works with heating and air conditioning contractors to size and install energy-efficient equipment in homes.
To promote the efficient use of energy, State Government Energy Efficiency works with State and local government agencies. It promotes the use of energy performance contracts, and carefully reviews new construction and renovation plans for government buildings.
REGULATORY STRATEGIES & PLANNING
Regulatory Strategies and Planning originated as Planning and reformed in under its present name in 2011. This office oversees Energy Assurance; Energy Planning; and Evaluation, Measurement and Verification.
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e-mail: mdmanual@mdarchives.state.md.us