Energy (Energy Efficiency)

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 10, 2026

HB 940: Large Load Customers - Electric System Interconnection and Demand Response Program

HB 940 exempts large commercial and industrial electricity customers (defined as those with at least 25 megawatts monthly demand and over 80% load factor) from needing a certificate of public convenience and necessity when using surplus interconnection capacity at existing grid points. It requires the Public Service Commission to create a new interconnection process with standard and expedited timelines, mandating that these customers provide 25% of their load through energy storage, carbon-free assets, or demand response. Customers meeting 100% of this requirement through specified methods and paying prevailing wages receive priority for load studies, interconnection, and permitting. The bill also establishes a Demand Response Program allowing large customers to contract for specific load management time slots, with fees collected from the interconnection process split between universal service and low-income energy efficiency programs.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates 25% carbon-free energy for large customers, advancing renewable integration and storage requirements per bill summary.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates 25% carbon-free energy storage for large customers, directly advancing clean energy adoption and reducing emissions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Energy Efficiency Transmission

Track

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 10, 2026

SB 590: Study on Greenhouse Gas Emissions Economy-Wide Cap-and-Invest Program (Maryland Climate Crisis Equity Act)

SB 590 requires Maryland's Department of the Environment to study the design and implications of an economy-wide cap-and-invest program to help achieve the state's 2045 net-zero greenhouse gas emissions goal. The study, to be developed with agencies like the Climate Change Commission and Energy Administration, will evaluate key elements including which sectors (like electricity generation) to cover, how to protect low-income households through revenue use (e.g., rebates, weatherization), and how to address equity in overburdened communities. It will also assess program mechanics such as allowance distribution, auction design, and potential use of offset credits, building on Maryland's existing experience with the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The study aims to provide a foundation for future policy decisions on climate funding and emissions reductions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill studies cap-and-invest program to achieve 2045 net-zero emissions, targeting electricity sector coverage and low-income protections via revenue use, directly advancing renewable energy transition goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires study of cap-and-invest program to achieve 2045 net-zero emissions goal, directly advancing climate action and emissions reduction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Climate Change

Track

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 16, 2026

SB 771: Human Services - Energy Assistance Programs - Administration and Funding

SB 771 moves the administration of Maryland’s electric universal service program from the Public Service Commission to the Office of Home Energy Programs within the Department of Human Services. This program provides energy assistance to low-income households with annual incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, covering bill assistance, weatherization, and arrearage retirement. The bill also expands the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to include fuel assistance programs and updates related definitions and responsibilities across state code sections. These changes aim to streamline program management under a single agency focused on human services.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExpands funding and administration of energy assistance programs for low-income households, directly supporting energy access and affordability per indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Utility Regulation

Track

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 13, 2026

HB 1516: Human Services - Energy Assistance Programs - Administration and Funding

HB 1516 transfers administration of Maryland's electric universal service program from the Public Service Commission to the Office of Home Energy Programs within the Department of Human Services. It also expands the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to cover fuel assistance programs, including weatherization for low-income households. The bill directly affects low-income residents with annual incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level who receive energy bill assistance. Key provisions include requiring the new Office to implement the electric universal service program and continuing the weatherization component previously managed by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The changes aim to streamline administration under one agency while maintaining existing eligibility and service mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands Strategic Energy Investment Fund for low-income energy assistance, directly funding essential services for vulnerable populations.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExpands Strategic Energy Investment Fund for weatherization and fuel assistance, promoting energy efficiency for low-income households.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands weatherization for low-income households and funds energy assistance, directly reducing housing costs for vulnerable residents at or below 200% poverty level.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Utility Regulation Community Development Property Development

Track

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 12, 2026

HB 1532: Utility RELIEF (Reducing Energy Load Inflation for Everyday Families) Act

HB 1532 amends Maryland's energy laws to adjust electricity rate structures and efficiency programs. It lowers the qualifying threshold for large commercial/industrial customers to access a specific rate schedule from 100 megawatts to 25 megawatts, directly affecting major energy users like factories and data centers. The bill also changes multiyear rate plan rules to prevent utilities from passing certain costs to customers and requires refunds if actual revenue differs from forecasts. Additionally, it updates energy efficiency program cycles, greenhouse gas target calculations, and definitions for energy resources like "zero-emission credits" used in procurement.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyLowers rate access threshold for efficiency programs, prevents utility cost passing to consumers, and requires revenue refunds - directly advancing energy efficiency and consumer protection.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill advances energy efficiency programs under Next Generation Energy Act, promoting cleaner energy use and reducing emissions through rate structure adjustments for commercial/industrial users.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Climate Change

signed · Maryland · House of Delegates May 12, 2026

HB 870: Environment - Permit Applications for New Buildings - Notice (Large Buildings for Tomorrow Act)

HB 870, the "Large Buildings for Tomorrow Act," requires new construction of large commercial and multifamily residential buildings (over 35,000 square feet) to meet specific energy conservation standards set by the Maryland Department of Labor. The bill defines "covered buildings" to include most large commercial structures and state-owned buildings, but excludes historic properties, schools, manufacturing facilities, and agricultural buildings. It mandates that adopted energy conservation requirements must be at least as stringent as the International Energy Conservation Code, with the state allowed to set stricter standards to improve efficiency. The law also establishes clear definitions for terms like "energy conservation measure" to guide implementation and ensure consistency.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates energy conservation standards for new large commercial/multifamily buildings, directly advancing energy efficiency goals per bill's core requirement.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates energy conservation standards for large buildings, reducing energy consumption and emissions, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Conservation

in committee · Maryland · Senate Feb 16, 2026

SB 850: Electric and Gas Companies - Energy Efficiency, Conservation, and Demand Response Programs - Alterations (Utility Affordability and Ratepayer Protection Act of 2026)

SB 850 requires Maryland electric and gas companies (including midsize cooperatives after 2026) to design energy efficiency, conservation, and demand response programs that demonstrably lower residential customer bills. It mandates the Public Service Commission to establish caps on certain assessments and set deadlines for eliminating unpaid utility costs. The law ensures programs must include measurable bill savings for households, not just energy reductions, and requires annual reports tracking energy savings and emissions reductions from these programs. This directly affects all residential utility customers in Maryland by linking program requirements to tangible cost savings.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates utility programs to lower residential bills, providing direct financial relief to households and promoting fiscal responsibility through measurable savings.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires utilities to design energy efficiency programs with measurable bill savings for households, mandates ratepayer protections, and focuses on lowering residential energy costs through conservation programs.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates energy efficiency and conservation programs for utilities, directly promoting resource conservation and reduced energy consumption, aligning with environmental protection goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingSB 850 mandates programs that demonstrably lower residential utility bills, directly reducing housing costs for households and advancing affordable housing affordability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending Energy Efficiency Utility Regulation Conservation

Track

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Jan 15, 2026

HB 87: Income Tax - Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit

HB 87 creates a Maryland income tax credit allowing homeowners to claim up to 30% of costs for qualifying energy-efficient home improvements, capped at $3,200 annually. It covers specific items like home energy audits ($150 limit), exterior windows ($600 total), doors ($500 total), heat pumps, and biomass stoves ($2,000 limit), all applied to the primary residence. The credit excludes improvements paid for with subsidized energy financing and requires documentation for verification. This policy takes effect for tax years beginning after December 31, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates income tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements, providing tax relief to homeowners. Aligns with tax relief indicators for middle/lower income.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProvides tax credit for energy-efficient home upgrades, promoting renewable energy adoption and efficiency improvements like heat pumps and biomass stoves.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProvides tax credit for energy-efficient home upgrades (heat pumps, windows, etc.), directly promoting reduced energy consumption and lower emissions per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Energy Efficiency

Track

passed · Maryland · Senate Mar 25, 2026

SB 23: Green and Renewable Energy Efficiency for Nonprofits (GREEN) Loan Program and Fund - Establishment

This bill creates Maryland's GREEN Loan Program, providing no-interest loans to 501(c)(3) nonprofits for solar panels, energy-efficient building upgrades (like new windows or HVAC systems), and related planning. Nonprofits must contribute 10% of project costs, with priority given to those with annual budgets under $1 million. The program is funded through state budget appropriations and transfers from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, managed by the Maryland Clean Energy Center. Loans require repayment over time with deferred payment options, and must demonstrate long-term energy cost savings exceeding the loan's total cost.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunded via state budget appropriations for nonprofit energy projects, advancing fiscal support for green initiatives through public spending.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes no-interest loans for nonprofits to install solar panels and energy-efficient upgrades, directly promoting renewable energy adoption and efficiency through state-funded program.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates no-interest loans for nonprofits to adopt solar/energy efficiency, promoting clean energy and reducing emissions. Funded by state and Clean Energy Center.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending State Budget Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Solar

Track

in committee · Maryland · House of Delegates Feb 17, 2026

HB 614: Education - School Building Energy Usage - Monthly Report

HB 614 requires every county board of education in Maryland to collect monthly data on energy usage in school buildings and submit it to the Interagency Commission on School Construction. The Commission must then create rules specifying exactly what data to collect and how often to report it. After gathering this data, the Commission must analyze it and provide specific recommendations to county boards for improving school energy efficiency. This bill directly affects county school districts and the state Commission, aiming to standardize energy reporting and drive efficiency improvements in public schools.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates energy efficiency data collection for school infrastructure, aligning with improving educational facility maintenance per topic description.75% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates data collection and analysis to improve school energy efficiency, directly advancing energy efficiency measures without promoting fossil fuels or restricting renewables.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates energy usage data collection and efficiency recommendations for school buildings, reducing consumption and emissions85% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency

Track