ANNAPOLIS, MD—Maryland Governor Wes Moore on Monday announced a new $64 million program to help Maryland’s counties, cities and towns reduce energy costs and modernize infrastructure with clean energy projects.
The new “Local Government Energy Modernization Program,” to be administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), provides one-time funding to help local jurisdictions move away from outdated, inefficient systems and implement community-scale clean energy initiatives. The goal is to drive budget savings for local governments and advance Maryland’s target of reaching net-zero emissions.
“It isn’t enough to ask Marylanders to see themselves in the consequences of the climate crisis; they need to see themselves in the progress,” Moore said in a statement. “Investments in climate action drive new infrastructure projects, support our work modernizing the grid, and strengthen our pledge to act as disciplined stewards of the taxpayer dime.”
The funding is designed to help local governments reduce their energy bills, freeing up money to be redirected into essential services. It is also expected to improve grid reliability and lower long-term infrastructure costs for consumers.
“These grants will help save money for county and local governments by investing deeply in clean energy at the local level,” said MEA Director Paul G. Pinsky. “The agency designed this program to be flexible enough to be tailored to local priorities so that every Maryland county — regardless of size or income — can take meaningful steps forward to cut costs and combat climate change.”
The program offers funding through both formula-based block grants and competitive project grants. It features an income-based cost-share structure to ensure rural and underserved counties can participate.
The grants can be used for a variety of projects, including:
- Upgrading HVAC systems.
- Installing solar panels.
- Conducting energy audits and feasibility studies.
- Improving building insulation.
The Maryland Energy Administration will accept applications for the program through 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.
Photo via Pixabay
