Media Contact: Lesley Paredes, lesley.paredes-hernandez@sierraclub.org, (240) 424-0976
Annapolis, MD – Today Governor Wes Moore signed legislation that will expand the benefits of Maryland’s energy efficiency program, EmPOWER. Since 2008, the program has provided lifetime savings of over $12.7 billion through free or discounted energy audits, weatherization, and efficient appliances as well as discounts and incentives for energy efficient upgrades.
Under the new legislation, the benefits of the program will be expanded to better serve low- to moderate-income families in creating healthier and more energy efficient homes. Updates to the EmPOWER Maryland program will:
- Set pollution reduction targets and measure results based on greenhouse gas reductions, aligning the program with the state’s climate goals.
- Expand EmPOWER’s successful discounts and rebates for energy audits, weatherization and efficient appliances by adding new incentives for efficient electric appliances and heating – and enabling fuel switching from gas, propane, and oil to electric.
- Lower the overall cost to ratepayers by reducing utility profits.
- Support low-income and multifamily households to take advantage of state and federal funds for energy efficiency, electrification, and whole-home retrofits.
- Require Choptank Electric Cooperative to begin offering energy efficiency upgrades for customers under the EmPOWER program while the Public Service Commission considers adding them to future program cycles.
In response to today’s bill signing, Maryland Sierra Club Director Josh Tulkin has released the following statement:
“This session, advocacy groups across the state came together to get EmPOWER reform across the finish line and improve the quality of life for all Marylanders. With the signing of this bill, we are one step closer to meeting our state’s ambitious climate goals and ensuring all Marylanders, especially low- to moderate-income families, have access to energy efficient upgrades to get off gas. We applaud the Governor and his administration for taking this important step to help families save on their energy bills while creating healthier homes. We thank all the legislators who supported EmPOWER reform, including bill sponsors Delegates Brian Crosby and Lily Qi , for working to pass this meaningful legislation in our state.”
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