Announcing the 2020 Maryland Commercial and Industrial Energy Efficiency Grant Awards

By Caitlin Madera, Energy Program Manager

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is pleased to announce awards for the 2020 Commercial, Industrial & Agricultural (CI&A) grant program. Over $1.131 million dollars will be distributed to 15 grantees to implement significant, energy efficiency upgrades that will enable true cost savings which will stimulate economic and job growth. The collective estimated annual energy cost savings is $2,428,974 and the projected annual electric savings is 8,055,286 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or enough electricity to power 670 Maryland homes. The estimated annual natural gas savings for 2020 grantees is 59,623 therms or enough fuel to heat 340 homes for the coldest month of the year. 

“These important grants support Maryland businesses and nonprofits while continuing our commitment to clean energy,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Our administration is proud to collaborate with innovative organizations to deliver both energy and cost savings to our citizens.”

“Energy efficiency is a smart investment that transforms your building into an ATM,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director, Mary Beth Tung.

Now in its seventh year, the CI&A grant was created to encourage Maryland businesses and nonprofit organizations in the commercial and industrial sectors to implement energy efficiency projects in their facilities that reduce baseline energy consumption by at least 20%. 

The 2020 grantees comprise a diverse portfolio of business and nonprofit types whose projects will upgrade many different types of facilities. Some notable recipients include the following:

• The Peale Center for Baltimore History and Architecture, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, is restoring the oldest museum building in the United States in partnership with the City of Baltimore. Through its programs, the Peale Center aims to illuminate authentic stories of Baltimore’s people and places. Energy conservation measures include replacing a total of 222 lighting fixtures to more efficient LEDs with sensors, replacement of HVAC equipment and controls. These improvements are projected to provide an annual electricity savings of 106,603 kWh, yielding cost savings of $19,874/year and total building energy reduction of over 70%.

• Hagerstown Goodwill Industries, Inc. serves as the corporate headquarters for Horizon Goodwill Industries, a non-profit organization, located in Hagerstown,  that assists those in need with job training and placement by selling donated goods. Energy projects include building envelope improvements, insulation upgrades, and HVAC replacements to include 13 units. Specific technologies and efficiency ratings will be detailed further in the scope of work. These improvements are projected to provide an annual electricity savings of 238,606 kWh and 16,869 therms of natural gas yielding cost savings of $36,934/year and total building energy reduction of roughly 50%.

• Blind Industries Services of Maryland (BISM) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, located in Baltimore, dedicated to providing career and training resources to blind residents of Maryland. Energy projects include replacing a total of 740 combined interior and exterior lighting fixtures to more efficient light emitting diodes (LEDs) and a new variable frequency drive (VFD) air compressor. These improvements are projected to provide an annual electricity savings of 152,790 kWh yielding cost savings of $16,875/year and total building energy reduction of approximately 25%.

Award totals ranged this year from $7,500 to $100,000, a full list of all awardees can be found via the link below:

MEA Commercial Industrial and Agricultural Grant Awards FY 20

Funding for the program comes from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, which was created from public auctions of carbon credits through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. For more information on the program, visit our website.