There are many ways to make your home more energy efficient, from replacing your old refrigerator with a more efficient model to installing better insulation in your attic.

Thanks to the EmPower Maryland legislation, passed in 2008, utility companies are offering programs for ratepayers to help make their homes more energy efficient.  Programs, incentives, and tax rebates at the local, state, and federal level can help you identify the most cost-effective ways to cut down on the amount of wasted energy in your home. 

Click on your utility service provider below to find out what programs are available in your area of the state:

Allegheny Power

BGE

Delmarva Power

PEPCO

SMECO

Energy efficiency is a key aspect of our state's plan to cut our dependence on fossil fuels and invest in clean energy.  Efficiency is the easiest, cheapest and cleanest way to cut our energy use.  For every dollar spent on energy efficiency, a customer can expect to save up to three dollars on their energy bills. 

Efficiency has benefits that reach beyond individual homes, as well.  Decreasing demand in homes and businesses helps stabilize the electric grid by lowering levels of peak demand.  Additionally, demand for building retrofits creates jobs; every billion dollars of public spending on energy efficiency can leverage $2-3 billion in private investment and create 25,000 jobs in 2010.

The EmPower Maryland Act, passed in 2008, requires the state to reduce its energy consumption by 15% by 2015.  Additionally, the law requires the Public Service Commission to calculate per capita electricity consumption and peak demand each year and report the calculations to the General Assembly as part of its annual report so this measurement can be made.  Finally, EmPower Maryland requires specified municipal and rural electric utilities to include energy efficiency and conservation measures as part of their service.