NATIONAL ASSOCIATION RANKS MARYLAND AS ONE OF TOP 10 STATES IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Maryland Also Ranks Among Most Improved States

ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 21, 2011) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced that the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has ranked Maryland one of the nation’s most improved states for energy efficiency as well as 10^th on a national energy scoreboard for 2011.

“We have set some of the most aggressive goals in America for decreasing energy consumption in Maryland and our efforts to save energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels are beginning to bear fruit,” Governor O’Malley said.  “Making the investments in safe, clean, reliable and affordable energy can create thousands of jobs in Maryland and reducing our energy consumption saves money and improves our environment.”

The ACEEE report also noted that Maryland was one of only a handful of states receiving top scores for greenhouse gas tailpipe emission standards and the integration of transportation and land use planning, also known as transit-oriented development. 

Other Maryland energy efficiency and conservation projects include:

• Funding $201 million dollars in energy efficiency work in state buildings in the past four years.
• Implementing a state-of-the art energy database for utilities consumed by Maryland state government.
• Participating in Electricity Demand Response where homeowners and businesses voluntarily agree to reduce electricity consumption on hot summer days.  Maryland ratepayers have received over $40 million in net payments for program participation.

“It is our goal as a state to lead by example in the area of energy conservation and encouraging a green economy,” said Department of General Services Secretary Alvin C. Collins.  “Maryland’s Department of General Services is working with other state agencies on 20 Energy Savings Performance Contracts which will provide guaranteed annual energy savings in excess of $21 million.”

“As a result of Governor O’Malley’s vision in establishing one of the nation’s most aggressive energy efficiency goals, Marylanders have already saved over 900,000 MWh of electricity and over $117 million since 2009, and our peak demand program has helped us avoid major blackouts during our record-setting summer heat wave,” said Malcolm Woolf, director of the Maryland Energy Administration.