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Maryland Faces Criticism Over Scaled-Back Energy Efficiency Program and Proposed Building Code Changes
Gov. Wes Moore’s administration said cuts to the EmPOWER program will provide consumers “immediate relief” but critics warn changes to it and the state’s building codes could threaten long-term affordability goals.
By Aman Azhar
In an effort to lower immediate costs for utility customers and developers, Maryland has scaled back its flagship energy-efficiency program and proposed eliminating renewable-energy and load-management requirements from the state’s commercial building code. But as weather extremes drive electricity demand to record levels and energy prices climb, consumer and climate advocates said the moves could make it even more difficult to meet the state’s pollution-reduction goals.