Welcome to the Spring 2025 issue of UMD Extension’s Energy Newsletter. Maryland Energy Extension is a University of Maryland Extension program providing unbiased and research-based information related to energy conservation, energy efficiency, and clean energy technology. Our mission is to help facilitate sustainable energy decisions for agricultural producers, landowners,businesses,andresidentsthroughoutMaryland.
This newsletter provides our public and private partners with updates on our currentworkanditscontextamongallthingsenergyinthestate.Pleaseforward thisnewslettertoanyoneyouthinkmightbeinterested.Alsofeelfreetosendus your organization’s energy-related news and events for listing in future newsletters.Anddon’tforgettofollowusonsocialmediatoreceiveenergytips, updates,andcommentariesonemergingenergynews.
Secure your farming legacy with agrivoltaics
JoinOkovateSustainableEnergyforawebinaronAgrivoltaics:BuildingSecurity for Your Farming Legacy. This event will explore how dual-use solar solutions can provide long-term stability and increased revenue for farmers and landowners.ItwillbeheldonlineonWednesday,April30,2025,at6:00PM. Topics include generating additional income while farming, strategies for land stewardship and soil health, real-world case studies of successful agrivoltaic projects,andkey considerationsfor partneringwithsolar developers.Whether you're looking to diversify income, sustain your family’s farming tradition, or explorenewopportunitiesinsolar,thiswebinaroffersvaluableinsightstohelp you make informed decisions. For more information and to register, visit OkovateSustainableEnergy'seventpage
Explore our latest online article to discover how anaerobic digestion can transform your farm. Learn about this sustainable and innovative method for converting animal waste into energy, which is gaining tractionasa viable energysourceforfarms throughout Marylandandthemid Atlanticregion.
USDA REAP update
Federal funding changes have delayed payments for many Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grantees. On March 26, the USDA announced plans to releasepreviouslycommittedfundsthroughREAP,New Empowering Rural America (New ERA), and Powering Affordable Clean Energy (PACE) programs. Awardees have 30 days to notify USDA Rural Development if they wanttomodifytheirprojectsusinganewform.
REAP applications will not be accepted from April 1 to June30eachyear.FundingfromtheInflationReduction Act (IRA) is included, with additional funds for Fiscal Year2025tobepostedontheprogramwebsite
Diveintothebenefits,options, andeconomicfeasibility ofanaerobicdigestioninthisnew informationalarticle. Other topics in the Energy 101 series cover energy policy, hydropower, woody biomass, and other energyrelatedtopics.
More information and resources are available through theEnergy101webpage(extension.umd.edu/energy).
Read Article
Marylandfarmsandsmallbusinessesinruralareascan apply for REAP grants. The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) offers free help with applications, including eligibility checks and energy audit resources. Applications are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines on March 31, September 30, and December 31, 2025. An initial energy audit from a qualified analyst is required, andMCECcanrecommendanalysts.
If funding is paused, contact a USDA rural development representative for guidance on completing the form before proceeding. Updates will be provided as
Maryland heat pump efficiency
AsMarylandcontinuestoembracesustainableenergy solutions, heat pumps are becoming an increasingly popular choice for homeowners seeking efficient heatingandcoolingsystems.Recentstudieshaveshed light on the optimal operation of heat pumps, providing valuable insights for Maryland residents lookingtomaximizeenergysavingsandcomfort.
More electricity is needed to heat a home with a heat pump when the thermostat is changed during the day [left] vs. constant [right] (Brooks, 2025).
One of the key questions surrounding heat pump usage is whether it is more efficient to leave the systemrunningcontinuouslyortoturnitoffwhennot needed. Development efforts in New Hampshire suggest that continuous operation may be more beneficial in terms of energy efficiency and maintaining consistent indoor temperatures (Briand, 2024). This development is particularly relevant for Maryland, where seasonal temperature fluctuations canimpactheatingandcoolingneeds.
Continuous operation of heat pumps offers several advantages.
Firstly, heat pumps are designed to operate most efficiently when maintaining a steady temperature. Frequent on-off cycling can lead to increased energy consumptionasthesystemworkshardertoreachthe desiredtemperatureeachtimeitisturnedon.
Secondly, maintaining a consistent indoor temperature enhances comfort by avoiding the temperature swings associated with on-off cycling. This is especially important during Maryland's cold wintersandhotsummers.
Whilecontinuousoperationhasitsbenefits,Maryland homeowners should also consider factors such as insulation and weatherization. Proper insulation and weatherization of homes can significantly impact the efficiency of heat pumps. Ensuring that your home is well-insulatedcanhelpmaintainindoortemperatures andreducetheworkloadontheheatpump.
Additionally, Maryland's energy costs vary, and homeowners should evaluate their utility bills to determine the most cost-effective operation strategy for their heat pumps. Investing in smart thermostats can optimize heat pump operation by automatically adjusting settings based on occupancy and weather conditions, enhancing energy savings while maintainingcomfort.
Features Smart Thermostat HP Thermostat
Purpose Generalhomeheat andcool Specifictoheatpump systems
As Maryland continues to prioritize sustainable energy solutions, understanding the optimal operation of heat pumps is crucial for homeowners. Continuous operation of heat pumps can offer significant benefits in terms of energy efficiency, comfort, and system longevity. By considering factors suchasinsulation,energycosts,andsmartthermostat technology, Maryland residents can make informed decisions to maximize the performance of their heat pumps.
Maryland’s rising energy bills
Many Maryland residents have seen their gas and electric bills go up recently. This article explains why andofferstipstomanageenergycosts.
Themainreasonforhigherbillsistheincreasedcostof delivering gas and electricity to homes. These delivery chargeshaverisenduetoinvestmentsininfrastructure and regulatory changes. Extreme weather also leads to higherenergyuseforheatingandcooling.Additionally, the cost to ensure enough electricity for future needs, knownasBRAcapacityprices,hasrisen,sharplywhich ispassedontocustomers.
BRA clearing prices refer to the costs associated with ensuring enough electricity capacity for future needs. These prices vary by delivery year and are influenced by Locational Deliverability Areas (LDAs), which are specificregionswithinthePJMgrid.
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) customers have seen gas delivery charges rise by 50% and electric delivery rates by 30% since 2020. Pepco customers have experienced a 33% increase in delivery charges due to infrastructure investments and higher market prices forelectricity.
To manage and reduce utility bills, focus on energy usage. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development offers programs to improve home energy efficiency, available to all income levels. Request a free home-energy audit from your utility company to identify ways to save energy and get free products like LED lightbulbs, smart thermostats, and waterheaterpipeinsulation.
Forthosestrugglingtopaybills,thetheMarylandOffice of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) offers assistance to low-income households. This program offers bill assistance to low-income households, making energy costs more affordable and preventing the loss of service.
Understanding the reasons behind higher bills and using available programs can help Maryland residents manage energy expenses and improve home efficiency. Additional resources can be found on the UMD Extension'senergywebpage
BRA clearing prices by delivery year for major LDAs (PJM, 2024).
Pepco volumetric distribution rate (Maryland OPC, 2024).
BGE electric distribution rate (Maryland OPC, 2024).
Maryland’s rise in energy storage
Maryland is advancing its energy storage, with large scale projectsimprovinggridreliabilityand supporting renewable energy. Though not as high as California (8 GW) or Texas (3.8 GW), Maryland is expanding its storagetosupportitsclimategoals. By2025,Maryland has150MWofbatterystorage,ranking15thintheU.S.
Top U.S. states with the most installed battery capacity in megawatts (MW) as of November 2023 (U.S. EIA, 2024).
Fairhaven Energy Storage System (Annapolis, MD): BaltimoreGas&Electric(BGE)installeda2.5MW/9.74 MWh battery energy storage system at the Fairhaven substation near Chesapeake Bay, becoming operational in November 2023. It features Hitachi Energy's eMesh PowerStore system, including two battery containers with 48 racks of lithium-ion batteries, a controlsystem,andtwonewdistributiontransformers.
David F. Bone EMTOC (Derwood, MD): AlphaStruxure installed a 2 MW/6.88 MWh battery storage system at Montgomery County’s transit depot as a part of a 5.65 MW microgrid. The facility, that became operational in 2022,includessolararrays,electricbuschargers,anda hydrogen electrolyzer allowing the depot to operate independently in "island mode,” while supporting the county's transition to zero-emissions buses. The depot willaccommodate200zero-emissionsbusesby2035.
Chesapeake Beach project (Southern MD Chronicle, 2023) [top]; Brookville Bus Depot in Silver Spring (Dynapower) [bottom left]; & Montgomery Co.’s microgrid (Montgomery County) [bottom right].
Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot (Silver Spring, MD): Montgomery County's Brookville Smart Energy Bus Depot features a 1.75 MW battery energy storage systemaspartofalargermicrogridproject.Thisfacility includes solar arrays and electric bus chargers, supporting the county's transition to zero-emissions buses. The microgrid system includes 2 MW of solar photovoltaicpanels,naturalgasgenerators,andelectric bus charging infrastructure. The system was installed byAlphaStruxureandbecameoperationalinmid-2022.
Montgomery County Public Safety Headquarters Microgrid (Gaithersburg, MD): This facility features a 1MWbatteryenergystoragesystemaspartofalarger microgrid project. It includes 2 MW of solar canopies, an 800 kW CHP system, and EV charging stations. The systembecameoperationalinJanuary2018. By expanding battery storage capacity, Maryland enhances grid reliability, supports renewable energy integration, and contributes to a sustainable and resilientenergyfuture.
Fairhaven Battery Energy Storage System in Annapolis (BGE) [left]; and the EMTOC in Derwood (AlphaStruxure) [right].
Climate & Environment
Three baghouses were installed at the Win Waste Baltimore facility in 2023 as part of a 10-year contract, but subsidies are now ending for waste-to-energy incinerators, potentially impacting operations (WIN Waste/Travis Satiritz).
MARYLAND’S SWEEPING NEW ENERGY LEGISLATION IS A MIXED BAG FOR CLIMATE
MD PORT ADMIN LAUNCHES MULTIYEAR, $147M PROJECT TO REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
(Baltimore Sun: January 14, 2025)
The Maryland Port Admin is launching a multi-year, $147M project to reduce emissions at Port of Baltimore and create union jobs. Funds include $145M in EPA grants for zero-emission equipment as part of a $3B national IRA investment. Work began Feb 2025 and ends Dec 2028.
Electric Vehicles & Batteries
Level 2 publicly-available charging port scenarios, forecast from state fiscal year 2024 (July 1, 2023 June 30, 2024) (MDOT, 2025).
MOORE
ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER THAT COULD DELAY EV SALES PENALTIES
includes Unit 1 (completed in 1984) and Unit 2 (1991). The company planned to retire the facility by mid-2025 due to regulatory and economic challenges (Talen | POWER).
TRUMP SAYS COAL SHOULD MAKE A COMEBACK. AT WHAT PRICE?
Maryland's 2025 energy reform package included the Next Generation Energy Act (HB1035), fast-tracking new power generation (HB 1024), and a hardship rebate for ratepayers (HB1036) (Maryland Matters).
CONSTELLATION DEFENDS CALPINE DEAL AFTER CONSUMER GROUPS OBJECT
Volumetric delivery rates ($/therm) for Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), Columbia Gas of Maryland (CMD), and Washington Gas Light (WGL) (MD OPC, 2025).
The proposed site of a controversial solar farm along Pfeffers Road in Kingsville, MD (Maryland General Assembly).
The approximate route for one of 10 routes that PSEG considered for a 500-kV transmission line as part of the MD Piedmont Reliability Project (PSEG | Baltimore Sun).
MARYLAND DEMOCRAT FLOATS NATURAL GAS AS SOLUTION TO STATE'S ENERGY CRISIS
A cloud mapping environment portraying offshore wind projects' location and statuses on the east coast, including the existing onshore power grid (MapStand).
POLL SHOWS SUPPORT FOR EASTERN SHORE OFFSHORE WIND
Pays up to 70% of the total project cost to install new energy-efficient equipment in your business to save money every month on your electric bill.
Financing for building energy efficiency improvements, energy conservation and renewable energy measures.
Enables building owners to claim a tax deduction for installing qualifying systems in buildings. Tenants eligible if they make construction expenditures.
Businesses & tax-exempt organizations may qualify for a clean vehicle tax credit of up to $40,000 under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) 45W.
Solar systems that are placed in service in 2022 or later and begin construction before 2033 are eligible for a 30% ITC or a 2.75 ¢/kWh PTC.
Provides turn-key, low cost, standardized C-PACE program services to property owners, capital providers, contractors and local governments .
to $250k
Loans for nonprofits, local gov’t, businesses, and state agencies to identify and install energy conservation measures and improvements.
May 15, 2025 $10k - $500k
Montgomery Co Green Bank
Commercial Programs mcgreenbank.org
Nat’l Endowment for the Humanities
Sustaining Cultural Heritage neh.gov/grants/preservation
PEPCO
C&I Energy Savings pepco.com/business
Various financing options for commercial property owners to undertake Clean Energy financing for energy efficiency and renewable energy.
Develop improved conditions for collection storage and display; improved systems and resilience for collections; reduced energy usage and costs; preservation plans.
An incentive program to upgrade equipment and buildings to increase energy efficiency. Their programs cover 40–70% of your total project cost.
Potomac Edison For Your Business Programs firstenergycorp.com
Prince George’s County Energy Star Cert. & Green Leasing princegeorgescountymd.gov
SMECO
Small Business Solutions smeco.coop
Incentives & information to install high-efficiency equipment, including heat reclaimers, ventilation fans , livestock waterers , low pressure irrigation, etc.
Small business direct install, commercial new construction, retro-commissioning, HVAC/building tune up, business energy analyzer, and more.
Grants to existing office and multifamily building owners to perform energy and water efficiency retrofits, and also obtain Energy Star certification.
Incentives for businesses including building tune-up, business solutions, instant savings for and other financing options.
Open up to 50%
Open $Variable
Open up to $150,000
Open $ Variable
USDA Rural Development Rural Energy Savings Program rd.usda.gov/programs-services
Loans to entities who provide energy efficiency services in rural areas to make affordable loans for consumers to implement energy efficient measures.
Infrastructure & Workforce Development
All Points North Foundation Education & Solar Grants allpointsnorthfoundation.org
Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation dominionenergy.com
Maryland Clean Energy Center
Climate Catalytic Capital (C3) Fund mdcleanenergy.org
Improve middle school education in underserved communities and advance the penetration of solar through education, job training and technologies.
Grants for environmental stewardship to make efficient use of energy and education to develop workforce in STEM and energy fields.
Aims to increase implementation of clean energy measures and technologies intended to reduce GHG emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change.
Open Variablerates
Open $20k - $60k
Sep 15, 2025 $1k - $15k
Open $250k
Prince George’s County Workforce Development Program pgcc.edu/sewdp
US Department of Energy Clean Energy to Communities (C2C) nrel.gov/state-local-tribal
Provides residents with free industry certified training, on -the-job skills training, and supportive services to gain employment in the energy industry.
Open $Variable
Receive strategic and technical assistance, access to training materials, tools, and best practices, and the opportunity to collaborate with peers across the country.
May 7, 2025
None
US Department of Energy Energy In Rural or Remote Areas energy.gov/oced
Deliver measurable benefits to energy customers, demonstrate new energy system models, and build clean energy knowledge, capacity and self-reliance.
Electric Infrastructure Loan rd.usda.gov/programs-services
Loans and loan guarantees for distributed energy projects including renewables providing wholesale or retail electricity to borrowers/rural communities.
Open up to 75%
Insured loans and loan guarantees to nonprofit and cooperative associations, public bodies, and other utilities to construct electric distribution facilities. Open up to 100%
Research & Education
American Public Power Assoc. Energy & Efficiency Developments publicpower.org
Funds innovations that improve efficiency, reduce costs, support adoption of new technologies and practice to better serve public power customers.
Cooperative Devel. Foundation
Cooperative Education Fund cdf.coop
Aug 15, 2025 up to $125,000
Supports cooperative research, sponsors co-op education events and scholarships and develops co-op education materials and programs.
May 1, 2025
Oct 1, 2025
$1,000 to $10,000
Rural Maryland Council
MAERDEF
rural.maryland.gov
Rural Maryland Council RMPIF
rural.maryland.gov
UMD Sustainability Council
Sustainability Grants
sustainability.umd.edu
Maryland Ag Education & Rural Development grants for rural-serving nonprofits for planning, economic & community development, ag & forestry education.
Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund (RMPIF) supports the RMC’s activities, regional infrastructure projects, rural entrepreneurship development, etc.
LOI : May 16, 2025
Full : Jul 11, 2025 up to $45k
LOI : Apr 21, 2025
Full : Jul 11, 2025 up to $40k
Any student, faculty, or staff at UMD can receive funding for initiatives and projects that benefit sustainability. Oct 15, 2025
$Variable
US Department of Energy
American-Made: Building Envelope americanmadechallenges.org
US Department of Energy
American-Made: americanmadechallenges.org
US Department of Energy
American-Made: Community Power americanmadechallenges.org
US Department of Energy
American-Made: Direct Air Capture americanmadechallenges.org
Supports production of high-performance, cost-effective secondary glazing systems to improve efficiency of commercial windows. III : Mar 21, 2026
Inspire and mentor students; bolster grassroots community organizations; and accelerate innovation in the manufacturing sector.
Fast-track new, emerging, and expanding solar developers to learn, participate and grow operations to support multiple community solar projects.
$50,000
Jun 20, 2025
ConceptPhase $20k
A: May 6, 2025 B: Jun 18, 2025 $150k
Aims to advance carbon dioxide removal tech, as well as the incubators that make this process possible. II: Jun 8, 2026
Tasking student teams to develop and present a business plan that leverages lab-developed and other high-potential energy technologies.
$300,000
Fac : Apr 25, 2025 $250k
The Floating Offshore Wind Readiness competition for cost-effective manufacturing and deployment of commercial-scale floating offshore wind energy.
Apr 30, 2025 PhaseIII $100k
Encourages the rapid development of partnerships and programs that scale the hiring and training of GHP workers in all communities.
Supports Historically Black Colleges and Universities working to expand clean energy learning for younger generations building programming & partnerships.
Spur groundbreaking innovation local manufacturing, and the benefits of an inclusive, clean-energy economy for next-generation lighting in commercial buildings.
Catalyze domestic manufacturing of critical clean energy tech components, moving manufacturing facilities from planning to shovel-ready.
Aug 5, 2025 M&IPhase $2.5M
May 7, 2025 StrategiesPhaseIII $50k
US Department of Energy
American-Made: PRIME Prize americanmadechallenges.org
US Department of Energy
American-Made: Power at Sea americanmadechallenges.org
Aims to help manufacturers meet the criteria for EPEAT product standards and make their products more attractive to purchasers with sustainability goals.
Nurture innovative technologies that utilize the power inherent in the ocean to enable sustainable and responsible use of resources.
PI : Apr 17, 2025 PII : May 2026 $200k
Jun 2, 2025 DevelopPhase $200k
Looking for innovations that could keep materials in use beyond a single life cycle & increase the recovery and reuse rate of end-of-use products. III: Dec 8, 2025 $50k
US Department of Energy
American-Made: SOLVE IT americanmadechallenges.org
Support communities as they identify & implement innovative solutions in a way that works best to address their unique needs and challenges.
Jun 12, 2025 PhaseIII $80k
US Department of Energy Chain Reaction Innovation chainreaction.anl.gov
US Department of Energy Clean Energy Innovator Fellowship energy.gov/eere
Financial and technical support for innovators to perform early-stage R&D that may launch energy or manufacturing businesses in the future.
Funds recent graduates and energy professionals to work up to 2 years with critical energy organizations to advance clean energy solutions.
TBA Cohort10 $Variable
TBA Fellows $40k - $70k
US Department of Energy ORISE Science & Tech Fellowship orise.orau.gov
Offers candidates an opportunity to learn about the federal gov & its role in advancing renewable energy with SETO supporting solar energy R&D.
Jul 15, 2025 $ Variable
US Department of Energy Scholars Program orise.orau.gov
The DOE Scholars Program may offer multiple opportunities during the year to accommodate the needs and schedule of individual sponsoring offices.
US Department of Energy SMASH Incubator energy.gov/eere/solar
Aims to reduce reliance on imported materials and tech by investing in innovations across the U.S. PV supply chain from manufacturing tools to module assembly.
Variable $ Variable
Full : May 30, 2025 $1M to $4M
US Department of Energy SolWEB2 energy.gov/eere/solar
Residential Programs
Conservation
R&D, technical assistance, and stakeholder engagement that improve compatibility of large-scale solar with wildlife and facilitate agrivoltaics. Full:May 2, 2025 $1M - $3M
Department of Human Services Office of Home Energy Programs dhs.maryland.gov
Internal Revenue Service
Clean Energy & Vehicle Credit irs.gov/credits-deductions
Internal Revenue Service
Energy Efficient Home Credit irs.gov
Maryland Energy Administration
High Efficiency-Electric Home energy.maryland.gov
Maryland Energy Administration HOMES Rebate Program energy.maryland.gov
Internal Revenue Service EE Home Improvement Credits irs.gov
Internal Revenue Service
Residential Clean Energy Credit irs.gov
Maryland Clean Energy Center Clean Energy Advantage Pilot cealoan.org
Various programs offering financial, bill payment, and arrearage assistance for home heating, natural gas, electricity, and more.
A credit up to $7,500 for a new, or $4,000 for a used, qualified plug-in EV or fuel cell EV based on your modified adjusted gross income level.
Eligible contractors may claim the credit for new energy efficient homes acquired by sale or lease by an individual from that contractor during tax year.
Point-of-sales rebates for qualified electrification projects for low- or moderate-income homes, including heat pumps, weatherization, and more.
Rebates for whole-home energy-efficiency improvements with values increasing for low– and moderate-income households.
Households can use a 30% tax credit, up to $150 for a home energy audit, $1,200 for home envelope, & $2,000 for heat pumps & biomass.
A 30% tax credit for any project advanced in 2022. Projects with battery storage connected to and powered by solar also qualify.
Financing program for property owners anywhere in Maryland to conveniently and affordably complete energy efficiency improvements.
$ Variable
$Variable
Montgomery County Homeowner Energy Efficiency habitatmm.org
Montgomery Co Green Bank Clean Energy Advantage Program mcgreenbank.org
Potomac Edison
For Your Home Programs firstenergycorp.com
Prince George’s County Solar Energy Grant princegeorgescountymd.gov
Prince George’s County Sustainable Energy Grants princegeorgescountymd.gov
SMECO
Residential Programs smeco.coop
A free program through Montgomery County Dept. of Housing & Community Affairs aimed at reducing home energy usage for qualified PEPCO customers. Open $Variable
Provides homeowners with access to preferential financing from a partner lending institution for energy efficiency (EE) and renewable energy (RE). Open $3K to $35K EE up to $50,000 RE
Incentives to upgrade to energy efficient appliances and HVAC systems with rebates for refrigerators, LED lighting, central AC, heat pumps, and energy audits. Open $Variable
Grant awards and state energy incentives to assist residents in accessing solar PV technologies upon successfully implementing energy-efficiency measures.
Residents in the Pepco service territory can apply for grants to perform energy efficiency retrofits and install solar PV or water heater systems.
Helps residential customers save energy and money by providing rebates for energy efficient appliances including lighting, water heating, heat/cool, etc.
