Maryland Energy Outlook Overview

Maryland, like many states, is on the cusp of an energy transformation. We face a number of significant energy challenges, including growing power demands, volatile energy prices, increasing dependence on imported fuels, and climate change. At this critical juncture, it is appropriate to objectively examine our State energy goals and assess our progress in achieving them. This review will help guide energy policy so that State energy programs continue to provide affordable, reliable, and clean energy for Maryland’s citizens.

Governor O’Malley and the Maryland General Assembly have set forward-looking energy goals and enacted policies to reduce electricity consumption, level peak demand, and improve the market for renewable energy in Maryland. Achieving these ambitious goals requires a long-term commitment to eliminate persistent market barriers and effect lasting market transformation. Accordingly, the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has benchmarked the State’s progress to date and evaluated additional policy options to increase momentum in advancing the following objectives:

  • Reduce energy consumption
  • Improve the market for renewable energy
  • Reduce GHG emissions
  • Grow a green economy with a robust workforce
  • Promote energy independence through alternative transportation policies and use of alternative fuels for vehicles.

This document is not a comprehensive roadmap or energy plan. To avoid duplicating activities under active consideration by other agencies, it does not address some key issues, such as transmission, new base load generation, and comprehensive energy planning. Rather, this report focuses on how Maryland is meeting its energy goals and what additional steps the State should consider to accelerate progress.

To assist in the development of this report, MEA assembled a broad group of energy experts and stakeholders from across Maryland. Members of this ad hoc Advisory Committee, listed in Appendix A, provided valuable assistance and expertise. The report and its recommendations, however, reflect the opinions of the Maryland Energy Administration and may not represent the views of any particular member of the Advisory Committee.

Download the Maryland Energy Outlook Document.