Maryland Schools Set to Benefit from $36 Million in Energy Efficiency Funding

Governor Wes Moore’s administration has announced the availability of $36 million in new funding aimed at enhancing energy performance and reducing energy costs within Maryland’s public school system. The initiative, known as the Decarbonizing Public Schools Program, will support local school districts in their efforts to implement clean energy solutions and energy-saving technologies. This program, now in its third year, is designed to help schools lower their energy consumption, manage energy data more effectively, decrease emissions, and foster the development of next-generation, high-performance educational facilities.

The Decarbonizing Public Schools Program provides funding for a variety of projects, including energy efficiency upgrades, electrification initiatives, and the adoption of clean energy systems in K-12 public schools across the state. By focusing on these areas, the program aims to achieve dual benefits: reducing environmental impact and generating significant energy cost savings. Given that energy expenses represent the second-largest operational cost for school districts, these savings can be redirected towards enhancing educational programs and resources for students.

The funding for these grants is drawn from the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund. This fund is replenished through revenue generated from greenhouse gas emissions auctions and alternative compliance payments from utility companies. The proceeds are then reinvested into various programs designed to lower energy bills for Maryland residents, minimize energy waste, stimulate job creation, promote energy independence, and bolster the reliability and resilience of the state’s energy infrastructure.

This initiative aligns with the broader priorities of the Moore-Miller Administration, which has placed a strong emphasis on alleviating energy costs for Marylanders. In addition to the school program, the administration has recently introduced measures to provide direct financial relief to families facing high energy expenses. This includes a $200 million package offering two direct payments to all Maryland ratepayers, with the first disbursed between August and September of the current year and the second scheduled for January and February of 2026, aiming to mitigate the impact of increased winter energy costs. Furthermore, the administration launched the Customer Relief Fund, which provided $19 million in assistance to low- and middle-income ratepayers through partnerships with local nonprofit organizations.

The administration has also been actively pursuing long-term solutions for energy affordability through collaborations with federal, state, and regional partners. Notably, Maryland joined the Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission, which has developed a strategic action plan to address transmission planning gaps and advance solutions that benefit both consumers and the broader energy grid.

Local school districts interested in participating in the Decarbonizing Public Schools Program can submit applications until 3 p.m. Eastern Time on November 21. Comprehensive details regarding eligibility criteria, program guidelines, and the application process are available on the Maryland Energy Administration’s website at energy.maryland.gov.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Office of Governor Wes Moore

---