Maryland Energy Extension

Join UMD Extension on May 18 (noon–1:15 PM) to learn how to community solar works, what subscription options look like, and how to evaluate program offerings. Discover practical steps and resources to help you get started. More info at: go.umd.edu/SolarEnergy

MD’s Utility RELIEF Act targets ~$150/yr bill relief via: • $100M clean-energy fund offset • Lower EmPOWER surcharges • Lower efficiency goals (2.5%➔1.75% for '27–29) • Continued nuclear subsidies Regulators will study long-term rate impacts this year insideclimatenews.org/news/21042026/…

Md’s Utility RELIEF Act lowers EmPOWER energy-savings targets from 2.5% to 1.75% ('27–'29) The shift reduces efficiency surcharge & applies $100M clean‑energy fund offset, contributing to ~$150/yr in bill relief Low‑income efficiency progs are unchanged wypr.org/wypr-news/2026…

Maryland utilities filed new virtual power plant proposals for up to 440MW, as required by the DRIVE Act. The plans aggregate flexible loads like smart thermostats, batteries, and EVs. PSC staff called it a “good start” but seek more clarity. utilitydive.com/news/maryland-…

UMD added its first two all-electric Shuttle-UM buses, starting a transition to make nearly 60% of the fleet diesel-free. These battery-electric buses cut tailpipe emissions by shifting energy use from fuel to electricity. today.umd.edu/charging-up-a-…

Maryland enacted the Utility RELIEF Act, aiming to cut annual electric bills by an estimated $150 per household. The law extends retail supply contracts and reduces EmPOWER efficiency funding starting in 2027. marylandmatters.org/2026/04/14/ene…

UMD researchers reviewed plate-fin heat exchangers used in HVAC, cryogenics, and industrial energy systems. With surface-area-to-volume ratios >1,000 m²/m³, these devices are key to maximizing heat-transfer efficiency & performance across energy sectors. eng.umd.edu/news/story/cee…

UMD researchers report aqueous zinc batteries reached 99.99% coulombic efficiency over 1,000 cycles using a new 2 M electrolyte. At 130 Wh/kg with high ionic conductivity, the design improves durability for low‑cost, safe grid energy storage. eng.umd.edu/news/story/uni…

Md lawmakers approved the Utility RELIEF Act before adjournment The measure is projected to cut average electricity bills by ~$150 per household annually, reform rate‑setting, require large data centers to fund grid upgrades & adjust the EmPOWER surcharge dailyenergyinsider.com/news/51863-uti…

Explore the latest energy insights with our Spring 2026 newsletter! 🔹water heater article 🔹solar webinar recordings 🔹spring tune-ups 🔹irrigation/pump efficiency 🔹Scotland REC resiliency 🔹all things energy Stay ahead with our comprehensive updates! mailchi.mp/53c30afb72ec/m…

Following EPA’s RFS rule setting fuel volumes through 2025, a Maryland task force cited federal carbon accounting as context for Clean Fuel Standard talks. EPA rules now govern 22B+ gallons of renewable fuel annually. ethanolproducer.com/articles/epa-r…

Want to understand the economics behind going solar? Join UMD Extension on April 20 (noon–1:15 PM) to learn how to evaluate system costs, incentives, ownership options, and simple payback for solar PV. More info at: go.umd.edu/SolarEnergy

FERC is asked to block the Morgantown plant sale after nonprofits claim the buyer hid a data center firm’s 14% stake. The case centers on transparency regarding data center energy use and plant ownership. utilitydive.com/news/ferc-tera…

Md Senate passed its version of the Utility RELIEF Act House and Senate negotiators now seek to reconcile differences regarding utility regulation & efficiency surcharges The proposal is projected to reduce avg annual consumer costs by approximately $150 marylandmatters.org/2026/04/06/sen…

UMD researchers are examining the growing electricity and cooling demands of AI systems, driven by high‑performance computing. The work raises infrastructure questions tied to grid capacity, reliability, and water use as AI deployment expands. umiacs.umd.edu/news-events/ne…

A new Utility RELIEF Act (HB1532/SB841) provision mandates a "full system" energy cost study using single-source, storage-paired scenarios. How these assumptions shape comparisons will impact reliability, planning, and what Marylanders pay. marylandmatters.org/2026/04/02/uti…

New peer‑reviewed data tied coal terminal activity in South Baltimore to 2–3× higher particulate pollution when downwind, based on 2M+ measurements. The Port exported ~28M tons of coal in 2023, highlighting local energy–environment tradeoffs. thebanner.com/community/clim…

A federal judge upheld Md's BEPS, which require large commercial & residential buildings to achieve net‑zero GHG emissions by 2040 The court ruled the standards are not preempted by the federal EPCA, allowing the state’s climate rules to remain in effect eenews.net/articles/maryl…

Worcester County is reviewing a 5‑MW solar farm near Berlin w/ 13,780 panels on 35.5 acres Approved by the state in January, county review now focuses on site design & access The project would serve 800+ homes, w/ 40% reserved for low‑income households baysideoc.net/county-committ…

Maryland lawmakers are reconciling the Utility RELIEF Act. The House and Senate differ on banning "forecasted" utility rate-setting and the depth of EmPOWER efficiency cuts. The goal: balance $150 in near-term bill relief against long-term energy demand. marylandmatters.org/2026/03/31/hou…