Maryland regulators have approved $95 million for energy efficiency programs, a boost meant to help utilities more quickly meet an energy savings goal of 15 percent by 2015.
The utilities are only about 50 percent of the way to the goal, with electricity savings of 2,729,390 MWh and peak demand reductions of 1,097 MW through second quarter 2013, according to the Maryland Public Service Commission. In granting the funds, the commission said it is “seeking a renewed commitment and focus by the utilities in the coming program year.”
The EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act of 2008 requires that utilities achieve the 15 percent cut in both per capita energy consumption and per capita peak demand.
Approved Nov. 12, the new funds include $45.4 million for commercial and industrial programs and $35.3 million for residential programs. Separately, in October the commission approved an additional $14.2 million for the Baltimore Gas & Electric’s business custom program.
Here is the money allotment by utility and program.
