Maryland Benefits: Examining the Results of EmPOWER Maryland through 2015

In 2008 Maryland passed an energy efficiency resource standard requiring the state to reduce per capita energy consumption by 10% by 2015. In this report we review the costs and benefits of Maryland’s EERS policy with a focus on statewide benefits from utility-sector programs. We discuss and quantify several key benefits including avoided utility infrastructure, reduced harmful air emissions from power plants, increased statewide jobs and gross state product, and wholesale market price reductions caused by reduced demand. We also consider total costs as we draw conclusions on the merits of the statewide program. 

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Evaluation, Measurement, and Verification (EM&V) Local and Community Initiatives