ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore, alongside Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones, announced a $200 million energy rebate program today to ease the financial strain of rising utility costs for Maryland families. The initiative, funded through the state’s Strategic Energy Investment Fund, will deliver two direct payments to all Maryland ratepayers: the first between August and September 2025, and the second between January and February 2026, timed to offset higher winter energy bills.
The announcement follows the passage of the Next Generation Energy Act, signed into law by Governor Moore after the 2025 legislative session. The act mandates the $200 million allocation for rebates, with individual amounts varying based on household energy usage and utility provider.
Ratepayers can expect rebates ranging from $30 to $67 per payment, with each utility company determining specific amounts through its own system. “The reason we are so passionate about the issue of energy affordability is because we hear from our constituents about it every day,” Governor Moore said. “Marylanders are deeply frustrated, and their frustration is justified. In partnership with the General Assembly, we will continue to do anything and everything to ensure that the people of our state are getting relief.”
The rebate program targets immediate relief for Marylanders, particularly in Southern Maryland, where communities like those in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties face rising energy costs alongside seasonal fluctuations. For local residents, the rebates offer critical support, especially for households on fixed or limited incomes. “This past session, we built our work around one clear goal: lowering utility bills through affordable, reliable, and predictable energy,” Senate President Ferguson said. House Speaker Jones added, “The $200 million in direct energy rebates announced today are not just numbers on a page. They are a lifeline to those with the tightest budgets – our seniors, low-income families, and those on fixed incomes.”
Beyond direct rebates, the Next Generation Energy Act advances broader energy goals. It expands financial support to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from multifamily residential buildings, a move that aligns with Maryland’s push for sustainable energy practices. The act also establishes a procurement framework to promote nuclear energy development, aiming to diversify the state’s energy portfolio while maintaining reliability. These measures reflect a long-term strategy to balance affordability with environmental responsibility, a priority for Southern Maryland, where energy infrastructure like the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant plays a significant role in the regional economy.
The rebate program builds on earlier efforts by the Moore-Miller Administration to address energy costs. In June 2025, the administration launched the Customer Relief Fund, a $19 million initiative that provided one-time assistance to limited- and middle-income ratepayers through local nonprofit organizations. This targeted approach ensured aid reached vulnerable communities efficiently, including those in Southern Maryland’s rural and suburban areas.
Additionally, Maryland’s participation in the Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission, announced in May 2025, underscores the state’s commitment to long-term cost savings. The collaborative’s strategic action plan focuses on interregional transmission solutions to enhance grid reliability and reduce consumer costs. For Southern Maryland, where energy infrastructure connects to broader regional networks, such initiatives promise more stable and affordable energy systems.
The rebate program’s structure ensures accessibility for all ratepayers, with no application process required. Utility companies, including Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO), will automatically apply rebates to customer accounts based on usage data. SMECO, serving over 150,000 customers in Calvert, Charles, St. Mary’s, and parts of Prince George’s counties, is expected to tailor its rebate distribution to reflect local consumption patterns. Residents can contact their utility provider for specific details on rebate amounts and delivery timelines.
The initiative responds to growing concerns about energy affordability, a pressing issue in Southern Maryland, where rural households often face higher per-unit energy costs due to lower population density. The timing of the second rebate, set for early 2026, aligns with peak winter demand, when heating costs can strain budgets. Local leaders have emphasized the program’s role in supporting vulnerable populations, including seniors and low-income families, who make up a significant portion of Southern Maryland’s demographic.
Maryland’s energy landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, with investments in renewable and nuclear energy complementing traditional sources. The Next Generation Energy Act builds on this foundation, aiming to create a more equitable and sustainable energy future. For Southern Maryland, the rebates provide immediate relief while reinforcing the region’s role in the state’s broader energy strategy. As Governor Moore emphasized, the administration’s focus remains on delivering tangible benefits to Marylanders, ensuring that relief efforts resonate in communities from Annapolis to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay.
