Ratepayer advocate releases new report on energy efficiency program

A new report from the Office of the People’s Counsel details the success of EmPOWER Maryland, the state’s energy efficiency program, and how the program needs to adapt to better meet state’s climate needs, serve low income residents, and conserve more energy.

The report findings include that the gas utilities are underperforming when it comes to energy savings, the utilities are hitting their goals under budget and likely leaving savings on the table; and, low-income Marylanders are receiving less in services than they are paying in surcharges.

These findings are complementary to a recent report from Maryland PIRG Foundation that found, while EmPOWER has been hugely successful, the program design should be shifted so that the utilities do more to improve efficiency in the state, reduce climate emissions, and better serve low income customers.

On Monday, Gov. Moore signed a new bill into law to improve the state’s low income energy efficiency program which is run by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The new law will set goals for the program and improve long term planning. It was sponsored by Del. Lorig Charkoudian and Sen. Brian Feldman.