Ceres applauds Maryland’s new energy affordability law, urges greater investment in efficiency program

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Ceres commends Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s focus on energy affordability after he signed a sweeping energy bill today that includes critical measures to shore up the power grid and cut red tape for solar projects. But the state can still improve its energy efficiency strategy. 

“Energy affordability is a critical issue for everyone in the Mid-Atlantic region dealing with rising power demand. This package includes positive steps that will help Maryland modernize the aging power grid and bring more cheap solar energy online to meet demand,” said Jeff Mauk, director of Eastern state policy at Ceres. “But the bill misses the mark on energy efficiency. We look forward to working with the governor and the legislature in the coming years to get the most out of EmPOWER. Consumers need immediate relief on their power bills, but that shouldn’t come at the expense of cost-effective efficiency programs that keep energy affordable in the long term. We’re confident Maryland will ultimately get this right.” 

Cuts to Maryland’s marquee energy efficiency program, EmPOWER, may provide some modest temporary relief to rising energy bills, but could increase costs for customers in the future by about $600 million. That is because every dollar invested in EmPOWER has returned $2.21 in benefits to Marylanders. Programs such as weatherization support and incentives for efficient appliances help the state prevent the need to purchase more expensive electricity, thereby reducing costs passed down to customers.  

A properly managed, adequately funded energy efficiency program is central to affordability because it gives customers more options to reduce their overall energy use while providing grid reliability benefits, keeping costs in check for consumers and businesses. EmPOWER can help reduce overall energy demand, particularly during times of peak use when energy generation is at its most expensive and most polluting.

The Utility RELIEF Act is one of several energy affordability packages on which Ceres has provided testimony this year in states around the country. The law will lead to more deployment of advanced transmission technologies to expand the capacity of existing power lines. It will also speed up permitting processes for residential solar with new software tools and shot clocks for regulators to complete inspections, accelerating the installation of clean energy resources and helping lower utility bills.

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About Ceres 

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient economy. With data-driven research and expert analysis, we inspire investors and companies to act on the world's sustainability challenges and advocate for market and policy solutions. Together, our efforts transform industries, unlock new business opportunities, and foster innovation and job growth – proving that sustainability is the bottom line. For more information, visit ceres.org.