Maryland Energy Administration, Maryland Environmental Service Jointly Announce Award for Clean Natural Gas Infrastructure Project for University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Eastern Correctional Institution

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jahmai Sharp-Moore | 443-694-3651
Craig Renner | 410-729-8299

Baltimore, MD – The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) and Maryland Environmental Service (MES) announced today that Chesapeake Utilities will install critical energy infrastructure for both the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) and Eastern Correctional Institution (ECI) in Somerset County. The awardee was selected after a competitive MES procurement process.

“This project will create jobs while bringing lower energy prices to the residents and businesses on the Eastern Shore.  It will also significantly reduce the carbon footprint for both facilities and provide a pathway forward for clean natural gas,” stated Dr. Mary Beth Tung, MEA Director. “Cleaner energy is the key to an improved environment and for expanded economic development for the residents of the Eastern Shore. “

“MES will facilitate this project, providing a cleaner and more reliable fuel source for our State business partners Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) and University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES),” said Roy McGrath, Maryland Environmental Service CEO and Chairman. “This project serves an important transition to a much more environmentally sustainable and efficient method of operation, and an investment to spur further regional economic development.”

“This project demonstrates the State of Maryland’s commitment to finding the most environmentally responsible and efficient methods of supplying power to our facilities,” said DPSCS Acting Secretary Michael Ziegler.

“The University of Maryland Eastern Shore is pleased to welcome this new opportunity for our campus to be more environmentally friendly,” said President Heidi M. Anderson. “UMES thanks Governor Hogan and MES for their work to make Maryland cleaner and greener.”

The awardee was selected after an exhaustive and competitive procurement process involving DPSCS, MEA, UMES, the University System of Maryland (USM), and was led by MES. UMES is a public institution of higher education within the University System of Maryland, operates 48 buildings on 745 acres. UMES currently uses a mix of fuel oils and propane to operate its heating system.

ECI is a medium-security state prison for men, owned and operated by the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services and, currently utilizes debarked wood chips as its primary source of fuel.

The State of Maryland has been working diligently to expand alternative energy options like natural gas to residents and businesses.  In December of 2017, Governor Larry Hogan announced that the State of Maryland, Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, and Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), had reached a $161.1 million settlement agreement in the proposed merger of Washington Gas Light’s parent company, WGL Holdings with AltaGas, Ltd. The State negotiated strongly to ensure the highest level of benefits for Marylanders including a Most Favored Nation clause, a residential rate credit ($50 per ratepayer), robust ring fencing, outreach and education programs, construction safety, and international arbitration protections.

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Maryland Energy Administration – On behalf of Governor Hogan the mission of the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is to promote affordable, reliable and cleaner energy for the benefit of all Marylanders. To achieve its mission, MEA advises the Governor, General Assembly on matters relating to energy policy. MEA administers grant and loan programs to encourage clean energy technologies in all sectors of Maryland’s economy: Residential, Commercial, and Transportation. For more information about the Maryland Energy Administration, visit www.energy.maryland.gov.

About Maryland Environmental Service

Established in 1970, MES operates approximately 1,000 environmental projects and services across the Mid-Atlantic Region, employing over 800 teammates. An independent, self-supporting State agency, MES enhances and protects Maryland’s environment through innovative solutions to the region’s most complex environmental challenges. MES’ unique, not-for-profit public corporation status combines public sector commitment to environmental protection with private sector flexibility and responsiveness. More than two-thirds of MES’ revenues flow to the private sector. MES receives no direct State operations funding and does not have regulatory authority. To learn more, visit www.menv.com.