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Under this program, MEA will take on the role of owner’s agent for at least six
local governments and four public housing agencies. MEA and contracted
partners will help solicit bids for and enter into energy performance contracts
with energy service companies to make energy efficiency improvements to
public housing facilities including heating, cooling, ventilation, building envelope
upgrade, lighting re-designs, and advanced controls. 105
The program was launched in February 2014 and began reaching out to
potential participants in April 2014. 106 The program was intended to target
public housing authorities by aggregating projects. A number of communities
have expressed interest in participating and have had walkthrough audits to
determine the size of opportunities. To date, MEA is working with one local
government and two public housing authorities on energy audits, background
information, and financial analysis. However, energy performance contracts are time-intensive to
establish and those involving public housing authorities must also comply with strict regulations from
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Because the program is in its early stages, no
contracts have yet been signed and none are expected during 2014. 107
Future Maryland Financing Opportunities
While most of the existing public financing activities target energy efficiency improvements and some
encourage renewable energy installations, the state government has identified other areas of
opportunity, particularly microgrids, combined heat and power operations, and commercial and
residential renewable energy installations.
Summary
Table 3 summarizes Maryland’s current and planned financing programs.
EPCAP
Years Active
2014 to present (pilot)
Eligible Participants
Local agencies and
housing authorities
Target Technologies
Energy efficiency
Financing Products
Energy performance
contracts
Status
No contracts are yet
finalized
104 “Energy performance contracting assistance program.” Maryland Energy Administration. Accessed September
21, 2014: http://energy.maryland.gov/Education/EnergyPerformanceContractingAssistanceProgram.htm
105 “Energy performance contracting assistance program.” Maryland Energy Administration. Accessed September
21, 2014: http://energy.maryland.gov/Education/EnergyPerformanceContractingAssistanceProgram.htm
106 “Energy performance contracting assistance program.” Maryland Energy Administration. Accessed September
21, 2014: http://energy.maryland.gov/Education/EnergyPerformanceContractingAssistanceProgram.htm
107 Bresette, D. (2014, September 22). Phone interview. (M. Tubman, Interviewer)
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