Q1 2025
 

In This Issue

  • Program Updates and Reminders
  • Industry Updates
  • Upcoming Webinars/Trainings
  • Project of the Quarter

Program Updates and Reminders

On Dec. 27, 2024, the Maryland Public Service Commission issued Order No. 91461, approving the utilities’ revised 2024–2026 EmPOWER Maryland Plans. This order changes the metrics of program success from “kilowatt hours reduced” to “greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduced.”

What prompted this change?

  • This change ensures compliance with the state’s GHG reduction targets established with the passage of House Bill 864, “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plans.” It aligns the goals of EmPOWER Maryland with various other state efforts aimed at decreasing GHG emissions.    

What are the implications for existing programs?

  • The Energy Savings for Business program will maintain the same incentives that your customers have come to expect, focusing on areas such as lighting, HVAC systems, kitchen appliances, variable frequency drives, and variable speed compressors, among others. For a full list of current incentives, please refer to the Delmarva Power and Pepco incentive sheets.
  • The Custom and Building Tune-up programs will start accepting projects that include GHG reduction strategies, including low-emissions refrigerants and heat pump chillers as well as measures aimed at decreasing fossil fuel consumption or facilitating fuel switching.

What are the long-term implications for the program?

  • The Energy Savings for Business program may rebalance incentives across its portfolio to focus on measures that result in the most GHG emissions reductions and make new measures available for incentives. In the meantime, please apply to the Custom program for relevant projects.

Will Delmarva Power and Pepco now provide incentives for my electric vehicle charging and solar?

  • No. The EmPOWER Maryland incentives approved for the 2024–2026 cycle, do not include electric vehicle (EV) or solar.

When does the current funding cycle end?

  • The Energy Savings for Business program is approved through Dec. 31, 2026.
 
 

Industry Updates

Maryland Building Energy Performance Standards

The final version of the Maryland Building Energy Performance Standards took effect on Dec. 23, 2024. Please regularly review the Building Energy Performance Standards webpage for updates.

The benchmarking reporting period is now underway. Owners and managers of “covered” (relevant) building types and sizes (i.e., buildings 35,000 sq. ft. and larger, excluding indoor parking) must submit their 2024 benchmarking data to the Maryland Department of the Environment through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager by June 1, 2025.

Maryland Energy Administration Programs

The following programs are open and accepting new applications.

FY25 Mechanical Insulation Grant Program

This grant is awarded to eligible entities that install mechanical insulation on a commercial or industrial property in Maryland. The application deadline is March 26, 2025, at 3 p.m.

FY25 Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program

The loan program offers a 2% interest rate for all commercial, nonprofit, or non-public facilities requesting a traditional loan in the state of Maryland; a 3% interest rate for all commercial, nonprofit, or non-public facilities requesting a micro loan in the state of Maryland; or a 0% interest rate for all Maryland state and local governments and their instrumentalities.

Additional funding and financing resources can be found on our new Delmarva Power and Pepco webpages.

Upcoming Webinars/Trainings

HVAC Rebate Training: Prescriptive, Midstream and Tune-Up App Process

Date: March 4, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to noon
Register Here

Delmarva Power and Pepco Custom & Building Tune-up Webinar


Date: April 17, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. to noon
Register Here

Project of the Quarter

Congratulations to CCESI Electrical Supply, Inc., and Triumph Electric for receiving the Project of the Quarter for their recent work with NorthBay Adventure Center. This project, completed through Delmarva Power’s Energy Efficient Communities program, replaced all outdated lighting with energy-saving LED technology.

This successful project exemplifies a strong collaborative effort:

  • NorthBay Adventure Center: “We recognize their dedication to sustainability and their innovative vision for an energy-efficient facility.”
  • Triumph Electric: Led by owner Paul Felty, they are acknowledged for their skilled installation and commitment to high-quality workmanship.
  • CCESI Electrical Supply, Inc: With essential support from outside sales representative Randy Cypher, they are credited for supplying the required electrical materials and expertise, and for managing all the Delmarva Power rebate documentation for the end user.
As a result of these upgrades, NorthBay Adventure Center received $39,520 in incentives and will save approximately 203,273 kWh annually.

Think you could have the next Project of the Quarter? Submit your project nominations to Aby Warran at Aby.Warran@icf.com for consideration to be featured in the next newsletter.
 
 

Ask an Expert
For more information or questions about our programs, financial incentives, or the application process, visit Delmarva Power or Pepco websites.