Energy Efficient Maryland

What's New

Throughout July and August, Maryland PIRG staff have been meeting with Maryland Public Service Commissioners to share the recommendations in our recent report "Utility Work Ahead".

How You Can Help

Urge Gov. O'Malley to Recommit to Energy Efficiency

Two years ago, Gov. O'Malley led the charge on energy efficiency. Now his PSC is leaving cost-effective energy efficiency potential on the table and the governor himself proposed taking millions away from energy efficiency programs in his budget. Join us in urging Gov. O'Malley to recommit to the state's energy efficiency goal.

Overview

Being wasteful with energy raises bills and drains money out of our economy. Meanwhile, energy companies want to use rising demand for electricity as an excuse to fast-track expensive new power lines and power plants in Maryland, that we have to pay for.

The fastest and most affordable way to get Maryland’s energy use under control is to make our homes, businesses and communities more energy-efficient. Research shows that by using technology readily available today we can reduce energy use by over 20 percent by 2020.

Maryland PIRG advocates real solutions such as insulating homes and businesses, making sure that appliances that are turned off don’t drain power, and that utility companies offer effective energy efficiency programs to consumers.

Wiser energy use will allow us to lower electric bills and stimulate real job growth for Maryland.

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Marylanders have enormous potential to save energy in their homes and businesses, which lowers bills and creates jobs in Maryland. Maryland PIRG created this video in 2009 which shows the broad-based support for energy efficiency in Maryland.

News

New Report Provides First Snapshot of Utilities' Progress Toward EmPOWER Maryland 4/14/2010

Advocates Dismayed at Cuts to Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs 3/3/2009

PSC Approves Energy Efficiency Programs 1/1/2009

Energy-Saving Measures Still Awaiting State Approval 8/7/08

General Assembly Passes Energy Efficiency Bills 4/07/2008

Energy Efficiency Bills Pass House and Senate 4/3/2008

New Report Shows Efficiency Programs Lower Utility Bills (Feb 20,2008)

Energy Efficiency is a "Virtual Power Plant"

Gov. O'Malley announces energy efficiency goals for Maryland

Results

In 2008, Maryland PIRG helped pass the EmPOWER Maryland Act, which sets a statewide goal of reducing per capita electricity use 15% by 2015. We also helped pass legislation to use fees paid by polluters to help Maryland residents lower their energy bills through energy efficiency.

In 2007, Maryland PIRG helped pass energy efficiency standards for 7 household and commercial appliances, including walk-in refrigerators and freezers as well as furnaces installed in new homes. The bill will save consumers millions of dollars in energy costs.

Resources

On Dec. 31, 2008 the Maryland Public Service Commission approved a suite of utility programs designed to make Maryland homes and businesses more energy efficient. For a full description of the approved programs, click here.

RGGI Letter to Gov. Martin O'Malley (pdf)

Efficiency Letter to the PSC (pdf)

Energy Efficiency Market Barriers Factsheet (pdf)

Sign-on Letter to Legislators (pdf)

Radio Coverage of Efficiency Report Release (audio file)

Legislative Factsheet

Concerned about Mercury in Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs? Click here to get the facts.

Apollo Alliance

American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy

Maryland League of Conservation Voters