Potomac Edison Aims to Electrify Maryland School Buses with New Pilot Program

Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has received approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission to launch an innovative pilot program aimed at facilitating the transition of Maryland school systems to zero-emission, electric buses. The initiative, detailed in a recent announcement, is designed to address the financial and logistical challenges associated with adopting electric bus fleets, promising quieter student commutes, improved air quality in communities, and potential long-term cost savings for educational institutions.

The program directly supports Maryland’s environmental mandates, specifically the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022, which requires public school systems to acquire only zero-emission vehicles going forward. Potomac Edison’s pilot program seeks to alleviate the substantial financial burden for school districts, which often face a significant price difference between traditional diesel buses and their electric counterparts—estimated at around $250,000 per bus. The company has committed to covering this cost differential, as well as the expenses associated with charging infrastructure and necessary electrical upgrades for installation.

This program is set to begin in early 2026 with a total investment of $11.1 million. It is intended to provide incentives for the acquisition of up to 28 electric school buses within Potomac Edison’s Maryland service area. Beyond financial incentives, the program offers comprehensive technical and administrative support. This assistance will guide school systems through crucial stages, including identifying suitable charging locations, overseeing the installation of charging equipment, and providing training for personnel on the operation and charging of the new electric vehicles.

A key component of the pilot program is the integration of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology. This advanced feature will allow Potomac Edison to explore the potential of using the stored energy within the bus batteries to supply power back to the electrical grid during times when the buses are not in operation. Such capabilities could significantly enhance grid reliability, particularly during emergency situations. The program is slated to run for a duration of five years or until the allocated funds are fully utilized.

Potomac Edison serves a substantial customer base of approximately 285,000 individuals across various counties in Maryland, including Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington counties. This program’s reach could therefore impact a considerable number of students and communities within these regions, contributing to cleaner air and more sustainable transportation practices.

FirstEnergy, the parent company, operates one of the largest investor-owned electric systems in the United States, providing electricity to over six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland, and New York. Its transmission operations encompass an extensive network of approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines, linking the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from FirstEnergy Corp.

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