Maryland Energy Administration Opens New Application Window for Esteemed Maryland Smart Energy Communities Programs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tim Zink | 443-758-7344

Highly respected clean energy programs expand eligibility to community-scale visions for clean energy 

BALTIMORE – The Maryland Energy Administration today opened the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) funding round for its state-wide Maryland Smart Energy Communities Programs, which provide grants to Maryland communities and organizations to help with the costs of planning and installing clean energy projects. These projects reduce energy consumption, expand cost savings and strengthen economic development. 

“Now in its 13th year, the Maryland Smart Energy Communities Programs have provided a reliable source of much-needed funding to local and county governments throughout Maryland for clean energy projects of all sizes,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “This year, the program extends support beyond local government operations to include funding for community-wide visions of how clean energy and related technologies can scale up to regional levels. The expansion will allow the agency to work with a wider range of partners, while broadening its beneficial impacts to Maryland communities.” 

For the first time in the life of the Maryland Smart Energy Communities programs, in FY25 grants are available for planning and installing large-scale, community-wide clean energy projects that require collaboration between public and private entities. 

Several sub-programs are offered under the banner of the Maryland Smart Energy Communities. These include the Clean Energy for Local Governments and Public Facilities Solar grants programs. 

The Maryland Smart Energy Communities program recently has funded numerous clean energy projects for local and county governments. Examples include energy efficiency upgrades to multiple facilities in Montgomery County, with expected annual energy reduction totaling 1.35 million kilowatt hours and cost savings of more than $260,000. Frederick County received funding to replace two gas-powered vehicles with electric vehicles, expected to reduce fuel consumption by more than 4,300 gallons of gasoline annually. And the Town of Mount Rainier is installing roof-top solar power systems on multiple public buildings that will produce 173,250 kilowatt hours annually and reduce energy expenses by more than $23,000.

For more information, including program terms, conditions, and instructions on how to apply, visit the Maryland Smart Energy Communities webpage. 

The mission of the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is to promote clean, affordable, reliable energy and energy-related greenhouse gas emission reductions to benefit Marylanders in a just and equitable manner. For more information about the agency, visit us on our website at Energy.Maryland.gov, and follow us on social media: LinkedIn | X | Facebook.  

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