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MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

[photo, 60 West St., Annapolis, Maryland] Origins of the Maryland Energy Administration trace to 1973 when the Governor by Executive Order formed the Office of Energy Policy. Thereafter, the Energy and Coastal Zone Administration was established by the Department of Natural Resources in 1975, and by law in 1976 (Chapter 320, Acts of 1976). The Administration reformed in 1979 as the Energy Administration, and in 1982, as the Energy Office. From the Department of Natural Resources the Office transferred to the Department of Housing and Community Development in 1987 (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987). The Office was abolished in 1991 when the Maryland Energy Administration was created as an independent agency (Chapter 468, Acts of 1991).

60 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, May 2014. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

The Maryland Energy Administration works to maximize energy efficiency in Maryland, reduce reliance on foreign fuel, and improve the environment. The Administration coordinates and directs energy planning for State agencies, and helps local governments implement programs to reduce energy consumption. In addition, the Administration helps Maryland businesses become more competitive by introducing new technologies and developing strategies for emerging competitive energy markets.

During energy supply disruptions and emergencies, the Administration participates in security and contingency planning for Maryland's energy supplies and infrastructure. To minimize energy supply shortages resulting from natural disaster or terrorist action, it participates in emergency preparedness training and may set aside petroleum fuels in an emergency. For power plants, transmission lines, substations, pipelines for natural gas and petroleum, and storage facilities, the Administration works with federal, regional and State authorities to develop protection plans.. It is the lead agency for implementing alternative fuel policy (National Energy Policy Act of 1992). In Maryland, the Administration also conducts the federal Institutional Conservation Program, certain oil overcharge projects, and other programs established by the 1992 federal act.

The Director of the Administration is appointed by the Governor (Code State Government Article, secs. 9-2001 through 9-2005).

Work of the Administration is carried on by four divisions: Clean Energy; Energy Efficiency; Energy Market Strategies; and Finance and Administration.

[photo, Energy Chick, 60 West St., Annapolis, Maryland]

ENERGY PROGRAMS DIVISION

The Energy Programs Division originated as Renewable Energy, and reformed as Clean Energy in 2008. In 2014, it adopted its present name.

Under Energy Programs are Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency; Community Programs; Farm Audits and Incentives; Residential and Commercial Clean Energy Grants; Solar and Wind Grants Programs; State Government Energy Efficiency and Energy Assurance; and Transportation Bio-Fuels and Clean Production Programs.

Energy Chick, 60 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, May 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL ENERGY EFFICIENCY
To commercial, industrial, and institutional consumers, the Maryland Energy Administration provides financial assistance to undertake energy efficiency upgrades or conduct energy assessments and measures. Through the Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program businesses receive loans to identify and install energy conservation improvements. Borrowers use the savings from reduced operating costs to repay the loans.

FARM AUDITS & INCENTIVES
To reduce the amount Maryland farmers spend on petroleum products, gasoline, diesel fuels, natural gas, and other fuels, the Maryland Energy Administration provides energy assessments to farms, and offers cash rebates for the installation of energy efficient equipment. Farms with higher energy use and a higher potential for energy savings must commit to installing the measures recommended in the energy assessment.

SOLAR & WIND GRANTS PROGRAMS
Solar and Wind Grant Programs promotes the use of renewable solar, wind and geothermal energy technologies as clean sources of new electricity generation. Grants are available to Maryland householders to install renewable systems in their homes.

STATE GOVERNMENT ENERGY EFFICIENCY & ENERGY ASSURANS
To promote the efficient use of energy, State Government Energy Efficiency works with State and local government agencies. It promotes the use of energy performance contracts, and carefully reviews new construction and renovation plans for government buildings.

State Agency Loan Program. Managed by this office, the Program provides zero-percent interest loans to State agencies for cost-effective energy improvements in State facilites. Under this program, lighting, controls, and heating and cooling equipment have been upgraded in State buildings.

For infrastructure improvements, training, and maintenance, State Government Energy Efficiency arranges private financing to State and local government agencies. The savings realized from energy upgrades are used to service the debt arranged through the Energy Performance Contract agreement.

TRANSPORTATION BIO-FUELS & CLEAN PRODUCTION PROGRAMS
Transportation Bio-Fuels and Clean Production Programs originated as Transportation Programs and adopted its present name in 2011. This office works to reduce fuel consumption through programs that promote the use of alternative fuel vehicles and energy efficiency in transportation. With other State and federal agencies and private associations, the office encourages the use of low-emission vehicles and development of alternative fuels.

[photo, Energy Chick, 60 West St., Annapolis, Maryland]

POLICY, PLANNING & ANALYSIS DIVISION

The Policy, Planning and Analysis Division originated as Planning and reformed as Regulatory Strategies and Planning in 2010. It was renamed Energy Market Strategies in 2011 and received its present name in 2014. The Division oversees: Cross-Cutting Energy & Climate Issues; DATA ANALYSIS; Economic Development and Energy Finance; Energy Policy; and Residential Programs and Training.

Energy Chick, 60 West St., Annapolis, Maryland, May 2015. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS & TRAINING
Residential Energy Efficiency promotes energy efficiency in homes. It educates consumers about energy efficient products through the Energy Star Program. It also works with heating and air conditioning contractors to size and install energy-efficient equipment in homes.

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