ACEEE Recommends Efficiency Policies for Maryland's Electricity Future

Washington, D.C. — A report on energy efficiency policies in Maryland’s electricity future was released today by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Faced with record electricity rates, looming power shortages, and the risks of global warming, Maryland’s leadership is grappling with energy policy choices that will affect pocketbooks, quality of life, and the environment far into this century. ACEEE’s report recommends four key efficiency policies that can help make Marylanders’ future electricity service reliable, affordable, and clean.

1. Adopt and implement Governor O’Malley’s goal of reducing energy use 15% by 2015 on a per capita basis. ACEEE also recommends conducting a clean energy resource potential study and using the results to extend the Governor’s goal beyond 2015.
2. Create a Public Benefit Fund to complement current utility efficiency programs, and provide substantial new funding support for both utility and state programs.
3. Use a combination of utilities, state agencies, and third parties to plan, coordinate, and administer efficiency programs.
4. Use carbon allowance auction proceeds from Maryland’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative as a source for the Public Benefit Fund.

“Governor O’Malley has set a bold energy savings goal for Maryland, and our recommendations describe policy paths to realize that goal,” said ACEEE Deputy Director and report author Bill Prindle. “We look forward to working with state leaders and other stakeholders to move this vital agenda forward.”

The report includes a summary of past experience with energy efficiency programs in Maryland’s electricity sector, a discussion of the key issues that must be addressed in shaping a new set of electricity policies on energy efficiency, and detailed recommendations. The report is based on ACEEE’s experience working with many other states across the U.S. on similar issues. 

Energy Efficiency in Maryland’s Electricity Future is available for free download at http://aceee.org/pubs/e077.htm either as a full document or as a 4-page Highlights and Recommendations.  A hard copy of the full document can be purchased for $25 plus $5 postage and handling from ACEEE Publications, 529 14th St, N.W., Suite 600, Washington, D.C. 20045, phone: 202-507-4000, fax: 202-429-2248, e-mail: aceee_publications@aceee.org.