EmPOWER energy efficiency program a big success
Baltimore Sun, Reader Commentary, 2/4/25
A recently published commentary regarding electricity costs by Senate Minority Leader Stephen S. Hershey, Jr. in The Baltimore Sun (“Steve Hershey: Democratic policies to blame for out-of-control utility rates,” Jan. 30) is riddled with inaccuracies, but I’m picking a particularly egregious one.
While imperfect, EmPOWER Maryland, the state’s energy efficiency program, has been tremendously successful. The law was passed in response to threats of rolling blackouts and skyrocketing electricity prices. It met its goal of reducing per-capita electricity consumption 15% by 2015 and has steadily reduced electricity consumption since.
By requiring utilities to invest in efficiency, the program has already saved customers $4 billion on their energy bills with projected lifetime savings worth $12.7 billion thanks to incentives and rebates for home weatherization and efficient appliances.
The Maryland General Assembly was wise to update the program in 2024 to expand EmPOWER offerings and right-size utility profits which were needlessly driving up program costs. All Marylanders should take advantage of EmPOWER offerings to help reduce energy waste and pollution and save money on energy bills.
— Emily Scarr, Baltimore
The writer is senior advisor to Maryland PIRG and the Maryland PIRG Foundation.