On the final day of the
legislative session, the Maryland General Assembly passed legislation
introduced by Gov. Martin O’Malley that provides millions of dollars for energy
efficiency assistance for electric customers.
“After deregulation killed
energy efficiency programs nine years ago, they are finally back,” said
Maryland PIRG State Director, Johanna Neumann. “Everyone wins. This action will
save consumers money, protect the environment, and help prevent blackouts.”
The EmPOWER Maryland Energy
Efficiency Act of 2008 (SB 205/HB 374), which sets statewide targets to reduce
electricity use 15 percent by 2015, passed easily. The Strategic Energy Investment
Fund, which gives the State of Maryland the resources to provide energy
efficiency programs to sectors utility companies don’t address, was revived
twice after heated debates in committee and on the Senate floor.
“We reached a compromise that
will help consumers,” said Sen. Robert Garagiola. “This bill offers short-term
rate-relief and helps people reduce their energy use which lowers their bills
for the long-term.”
The Strategic Energy
Investment Fund (SB 268 /HB 368) will allocate
funds from the upcoming sale of carbon allowances to the Maryland Energy
Administration (MEA). MEA is directed to use the funds for low-income
assistance and for energy efficiency services.
If auction proceeds come in at $100 million, the bill
offers $17 million for low-income assistance, $23 million for billing credits
and $46 million for energy efficiency programs. At least half of the energy
efficiency programs must be offered to low and moderate income households.
“Helping consumers save
energy means helping families reduce their electric bills,” said Ed Osann for
the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. “We commend the General
Assembly for answering the Governor’s call to help Marylanders make their
energy use more efficient.”
“Chairman Davis and Chairman
Middleton deserve recognition for shepherding these bills through the process,”
said Neumann.
