Maryland Energy Administration Now Accepting Applications for Maryland Smart Energy Communities

The Maryland Energy Administration announced the opening of the Fiscal Year 2024 funding round for its state-wide Maryland Smart Energy Communities Programs, which provide grants to Maryland communities and organizations to help with the costs of planning and installing clean energy projects. These projects will lead to reduced energy consumption, greater cost savings, enhanced community investment, more robust economic development, and expanded engagement by local leaders in clean energy.

“The Maryland Smart Energy Communities program, now in its twelfth year, has provided much-needed funding to local and county governments throughout Maryland for a wide range of clean energy projects,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky. “This year, the Maryland Smart Energy Communities program extends support beyond local government operations to include funding for community-wide visions of how clean energy and related technologies can scale up to regional levels.” 

Grants are available for planning and installing large-scale, community-wide clean energy projects, which will require collaboration between public and private entities.

In recent years, projects completed under Maryland Smart Energy Communities Programs have made significant contributions to communities throughout Maryland, including: 

– The City of New Carrollton is installing a roof-top solar power system on its City Hall building that will produce 239,000 kilowatt hours each year and reduce annual energy expenses by $29,000.

– Howard County is replacing five gas-powered vehicles with electric vehicles, which is expected to reduce fuel consumption by 4,600 gasoline gallons annually. 

– Montgomery County is making energy efficiency upgrades to multiple facilities, with expected annual energy reduction totaling more than 1.1 million kilowatt hours and cost savings of $188,000.

The suite of sub-programs offered under Maryland Smart Energy Communities include Clean Energy for Local Governments; Clean Energy and Community Development; Public Facilities Solar; and Streetlight and Outdoor Lighting Efficiency. 

For more information, including program terms, conditions, and instructions on how to apply, visit the Maryland Smart Energy Communities webpage. 

Maryland Energy Administration | https://energy.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx