Maryland
Use of Auction Proceeds for Consumer Benefit Programs
Maryland is using proceeds from the sale of RGGI CO2 allowances to establish the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SIEF), a special, non-lapsing fund administered by the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA).
SIEF funds are allocated according to Senate Bill no. 268 and House Bill no. 101, which direct RGGI auction proceeds to energy efficiency, conservation, and other demand response programs; residential energy bill assistance; renewable energy deployment; and climate change outreach and education.
So far, the MEA has allocated $7.3m in SIEF funds to energy efficiency and renewable energy projects under the "EmPOWER Clean Energy Communities" programs. A total of 64 grants have been awarded in three categories:
- Grants for energy efficiency totaling $4.5 million, of which $3.5 million is dedicated to low and moderate income households
- Zero-interest energy efficiency loans, totaling $2.6 million, of which $1.5 million is for low and moderate income households
- Renewable energy grants totaling $193,000.
Together, these projects are projected to result in overall energy savings of an estimated 12.2 million kilowatt hours annually, or $1.6 million in energy savings each year.
For more information on proposed SIEF programs, please follow the links below:
For more information on Maryland's participation in RGGI please consult state regulations and state press releases on the use of auction proceeds.
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