Governor Moore Signs Executive Order to Address Rising Energy Costs and Improve Grid Reliability

Governor Wes Moore has signed an executive order aimed at reducing energy costs for Maryland families and ensuring a more reliable power supply across the state. The order, titled “Building an Affordable and Reliable Energy Future,” calls for a comprehensive, government-wide effort to address both anticipated electricity generation shortfalls and escalating energy expenses. The initiative comes in response to a significant increase in residential energy rates, which have reportedly risen by 44% since 2020.

The executive order outlines four key pillars to modernize the state’s energy infrastructure and secure its future. First, it seeks to protect ratepayers and lower energy bills by directing the Maryland Energy Administration to petition the Public Service Commission to review utility budget billing programs. This review will focus on consumer protection against unexpected costs and ensuring transparent program terms. Additionally, the state will implement a regulatory strategy that incentivizes utilities to prioritize less expensive “Non-Wires Alternatives” to address grid constraints, rather than investing in costly physical infrastructure.

Second, the order aims to modernize the grid through advanced technology. The Maryland Energy Administration is tasked with petitioning the Public Service Commission to mandate that transmission owners consider advanced transmission technologies before approving new power line construction. These technologies are designed to enhance the capacity and efficiency of existing grid infrastructure, thereby improving reliability for consumers. To facilitate this modernization, the Maryland Department of Transportation will identify state-owned rights-of-way, such as highway medians, suitable for high-voltage transmission and battery storage projects.

Third, the initiative focuses on building energy systems faster and more efficiently through the launch of the Maryland Energy Site-Readiness Initiative. This program will develop a “Smart Siting Inventory” by late 2027, featuring pre-vetted land for energy projects, with a preference for disturbed areas like brownfields and industrial zones over undeveloped green spaces. To attract investment to these sites, the Maryland Department of Commerce will create “Development Offer Packages,” consolidating state resources like targeted grants and technical assistance, to enhance Maryland’s competitiveness for energy producers.

Finally, the executive order establishes clear leadership for energy policy implementation. An energy subcabinet, chaired by the Director of the Maryland Energy Administration, will be formed to coordinate state resources and oversee the achievement of Maryland’s energy objectives. A new Maryland Energy Advisory Council will also be created, bringing together external stakeholders including utilities, labor representatives, and consumer advocates to identify barriers to energy deployment. This council is expected to submit a formal memorandum within 180 days, outlining the most pressing challenges to energy affordability and reliability in the state.

This executive order builds upon previous actions taken by the Moore-Miller Administration to alleviate energy costs. Earlier in the year, legislation was enacted authorizing $200 million in direct electricity bill rebates for Maryland ratepayers, funded through the state’s Strategic Energy Investment Fund. The first phase of these rebates was distributed in the past summer, with a second installment planned for early 2026. Furthermore, in response to a federal government shutdown, Governor Moore allocated $10 million to maintain essential energy assistance benefits. The administration has also invested over $130 million in clean energy and modernization programs in 2025, including significant funding for local government energy modernization, public school decarbonization, and solar power access for income-qualified residents. These collective efforts represent a strategy to reduce bills through increased energy supply, improved grid resilience, and direct financial assistance for Maryland families.

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

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