MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

Origins of the Maryland Energy Administration trace to 1973 when the Governor by Executive Order formed the Office of Energy Policy.

[photo, Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, Maryland] Thereafter, the Energy and Coastal Zone Administration was established by the Department of Natural Resources in 1975, and authorized by law by the General Assembly in 1976 (Chapter 320, Acts of 1976). The Administration reformed in 1979 as the Energy Administration, and in 1982, as the Energy Office. From the Department of Natural Resources the Office transferred to the Department of Housing and Community Development in 1987 (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987). The Office was abolished in 1991, when the Maryland Energy Administration was created as an independent agency (Chapter 468, Acts of 1991).

Montgomery Park Business Center, 1800 Washington Blvd., Baltimore, Maryland, February 2004. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

The Maryland Energy Administration works to maximize energy efficiency in Maryland, reduce reliance on foreign fuel, and improve the environment. The Administration coordinates and directs energy planning for State agencies, and helps local governments implement programs to reduce energy consumption. In addition, the Administration helps Maryland businesses become more competitive by introducing new technologies and developing strategies for emerging competitive energy markets.

During energy supply disruptions and emergencies, the Administration participates in security and contingency planning for Maryland's energy supplies and infrastructure. To minimize energy supply shortages resulting from natural disaster or terrorist action, it participates in emergency preparedness training and may set aside petroleum fuels in an emergency.

For power plants, transmission lines, substations, pipelines for natural gas and petroleum, and storage facilities, the Administration works with federal, regional and State authorities to develop protection plans. It is the lead agency for implementing alternative fuel policy (National Energy Policy Act of 1992). It also serves as the State conduit for federal energy programs from the U.S. Department of Energy.

Most of the Administration's funding comes from the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Fund, which the Administration oversees along with the Maryland Strategic Energy Investment Program. To promote affordable, reliable and clean energy to fuel Maryland's future prosperity, the Program seeks to decrease energy demand and increase energy supply.

The Director of the Administration is appointed by the Governor (Code State Government Article, secs. 9-2001 through 9-2005). The Director chairs the Energy Subcabinet and serves on the Governor's Subcabinet on Climate. In addition, the Director serves on the Governor's Intergovernmental Commission for Agriculture; the Board of Directors of the Maryland Clean Energy Center; the Commission on Climate Change; and the Maryland Efficient Grant Application Council.

Work of the Administration is carried on by three divisions: Energy Policy and Research; Energy Programs; and Finance and Administration. The Administration also oversees Communications and Stakeholder Engagement.

ENERGY POLICY & RESEARCH DIVISION

The Energy Policy and Research Division began as the Energy Policy and Administration Division, but received its current name by June 2025.

Within the Energy Policy and Research Division is Regulatory Policy.

ENERGY PROGRAMS DIVISION

The Energy Programs Division began as two separate divisions: Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, which reformed as Clean Energy in 2008. In 2013, the two divisions merged to form the Energy Programs Division.

Under Energy Programs are Buildings Programs; Grid and Transportation Programs; and Program Development.

FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION DIVISION

Formerly organized as the Finance and Administration Division, this division reformed as the Finance, Budget and Administration Division and then later returned to its original name.

The Division is responsible for Finance; Human Resources and Administration; and Information Technology. The Chief Performance Officer aids the Division.

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