Commercial and Industrial Grant Program

April 02, 2021

Summary

Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) offers a Commercial and Industrial Grant Program, which provides financial grants for projects that achieve at least 20% electricity savings in commercial and industrial buildings. The program offers grants that cover up to 50% of the project cost after other incentives have been applied. Awards range from $20,000 to $200,000.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the grant, the project must include at least three energy efficiency measures, achieve a savings of at least 18%, and have a total project cost of at least $20,000. Any commercial, industrial, or non-profit enterprise can apply for grants for buildings located in Maryland. Examples of institutions who can apply include businesses, manufacturers and other industrial entities, farms and agricultural businesses, nonprofit organizations, private schools, and private colleges and universities.

Program Description

The program is designed to support upgrades that affect an entire building. Applicants must provide an electricity savings goal of at least 20% for the entire building based on the baseline for whole building’s electricity use. Eligible electricity efficiency measures may include both technology upgrades and operational changes. Operational changes may include staff training, credentialing, retro-commissioning, data analytics and others which must result in measurable energy savings. Operational changes must be combined with technology upgrades. Applicants that are located within utility service territory with an EmPOWER Incentive program must also apply for funding from the utilities. The grant award will be calculated from the remaining project cost after all other incentives are applied.

Projects seeking funding from the program must only initiate construction after a signed agreement with MEA has been executed. Grants will be paid in arrears upon project completion and inspection of the installed equipment. Please visit the program website for more information.

Program Overview

Implementing Sector:	State
Category:	Financial Incentive
State:	Maryland
Incentive Type:	Grant Program
Web Site:	http://energy.maryland.gov/business/Pages/incentives/empowermdcigp.aspx
Administrator:	Maryland Energy Administration
Start Date:
Eligible Renewable/Other Technologies:	Dishwasher Refrigerators/Freezers Dehumidifiers Lighting Heat pumps Air conditioners Building Insulation Windows Motors Processing and Manufacturing Equipment Comprehensive Measures/Whole Building Custom/Others pending approval Food Service Equipment
Incentive Amount:	Up to 50% of the project cost after all other incentives and grants have been applied; Starting at $20,000
Maximum Incentive:	$200,000
Equipment Requirements:	Must exceed minimum energy code requirement for the measure Fluorescent lighting must meet CEE standards LED must be listed on the DLC or must be ENERGY STAR HVAC equipment must meet or exceed minimum SEER/EER/IEER outline by the utility
Installation Requirements:	Applicants must not sign any contract or begin work until final approval from MEA.

Contact

Name:	Rachel Weaver
Address:	60 West Street, Suite 300 Annapolis MD 21401
Phone:	(410) 260-7655
Email:	ci.mea@maryland.gov

This information is sourced from DSIRE; the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University.