ANNAPOLIS, MD—In a major stride towards enhancing affordability and sustainability in Maryland, Governor Wes Moore has announced a significant expansion of the EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency program, aimed at serving more households over the next three years. This initiative, set forth by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, comes in response to the newly established statewide electric savings goals for limited-income households by HB169, passed during the 2023 Maryland General Assembly.
Governor Moore emphasized the dual benefits of the expansion, stating, “Increased energy efficiency benefits all Marylanders and all of Maryland.” He highlighted that the program’s enhancements would lead to monthly savings on utility bills for both homeowners and renters, further nurturing the growth of the state’s green economy.
The EmPOWER Maryland program, renowned for facilitating repairs and upgrades to reduce energy use for limited-income households, is celebrated for its comprehensive approach to improving living conditions. By offering materials, equipment, and services at no additional cost, the program aims to enhance comfort, air quality, and health, while simultaneously reducing utility expenses for qualified participants.
The newly approved plan for EmPOWER Maryland seeks to establish a robust framework for achieving ambitious yet realistic goals, fostering a transparent and collaborative environment with the General Assembly, the Public Service Commission, and other key stakeholders. The initiative plans to allocate nearly $355 million towards energy efficiency retrofits and upgrades, with the goal of benefiting approximately 60,000 households during the 2024 to 2026 program cycle.
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day underscored the importance of addressing the financial burdens faced by limited-income families in Maryland. He noted that utility bills often constitute a significant portion of housing costs, especially in poorly conditioned or insulated living spaces. “The new EmPOWER Maryland plan is a culmination of feedback from program participants and stakeholders, combined with performance data, target market analysis, and it is driven by industry best practices,” Day stated, underscoring the comprehensive and informed approach to the program’s expansion.
Since its inception in 2012, EmPOWER Maryland has made significant strides in promoting energy efficiency among limited-income households. The program has supported nearly 54,000 households, achieving an average reduction in energy usage between 16% and 23%. This track record of success lays a strong foundation for the program’s upcoming cycle.
The expansion of EmPOWER Maryland is poised to make a substantial impact on the state’s affordability and environmental sustainability. For those interested in learning more about the EmPOWER Maryland program and other energy efficiency initiatives administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, further information is available at dhcd.maryland.gov/Pages/EnergyEfficiency.
