EmPower Maryland
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY ANNOUNCES NEW ENERGY EFFICIENCY GOALS FOR STATE GOVERNMENT
Governor Launches “EmPOWER Maryland” Initiative
ANNAPOLIS, MD (July 2, 2007) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced new energy efficiency goals for the State of Maryland to save taxpayers money, reduce stress on Maryland’s energy markets, and improve the environment. Under the “EmPOWER Maryland” initiative, the State of Maryland will reduce energy consumption by 15 percent by the year 2015. Governor O’Malley also announced Hatim Jabaji as the Director of the Office of Energy Performance and Conservation.
“Today, I am proud to announce the ‘EmPOWER Maryland’ initiative to reduce power consumption in Maryland 15% by the year 2015,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “Maryland has been lagging behind other states like California, but now it’s time to lead. In addition to establishing a new independent Public Service Commission that is looking at the relationship between BGE and its parent-company, Constellation Energy, the state of Maryland is doing everything possible to improve energy efficiency in state buildings, reduce costs, and save taxpayers dollars.”
The “EmPOWER Maryland” initiative contains seven steps to help State government reduce power consumption 15% by 2015:
- Improve Building Operations – A 5% reduction can be achieved through improved building operations, replacement of incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights, and involvement of each state employee to reduce energy use at each agency of state government.
- Significantly Expand Use of Energy Performance Contracting – Maryland can benefit dramatically in energy and maintenance savings by expanding the use of the Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) program. Under this program, agencies hire energy service companies to develop, install, and finance projects designed to improve the energy efficiency and maintenance costs for facilities.
- Increase the State Agency Loan Program – The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) will expand the State Agency Loan Program (SALP) by 50% to $1.5 million in FY 2008. By augmenting this zero interest revolving loan program, state agencies will avoid an additional $50,000 in electricity bills, resulting in total annual avoided costs under this program of at least $150,000. Typical projects include energy efficient lighting, controls, heating, ventilation and air conditioning. SALP can be used to fund a portion of an energy performance contract or to fund individual projects.
- Require Energy Efficient Buildings – Significant energy savings can be obtained by requiring all new state buildings over 20,000 square feet to be more energy efficient, based on a review of the upcoming recommendations of the Maryland Green Building Task Force. California has enjoyed great success in reducing its energy consumption by investing in energy efficient buildings. According to the US Green Building Council, the average upfront additional cost of constructing to the LEED Gold certification standard is 2.2% and is typically recovered through energy savings within 3 years.
- Purchase Energy Star Products – Purchasing Energy Star qualified products where available, as well as environmentally friendly cleaning and maintenance products, would save energy and reduce the state’s environmental footprint.
- Expand Community Energy Loan Program – MEA can expand the Community Energy Loan Program (CELP) by 33% to $2 million in FY 2008. CELP provides in low interest revolving loans to local governments and nonprofit organizations to install energy efficient improvements. By adding an additional $500,000 to the CELP program fro FY 2008, MEA can provide additional loans to help more hospitals, schools and local governments finance energy efficiency investments.
- Ensure Accountability – Incorporating energy issues into the StateStat process will help state agencies track their progress and assist in achieving the statewide energy efficiency goals. State agencies will be expected to designate energy managers, conduct energy consumption analyses, and update energy conservation plans.
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