ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Moore today announced the launch of the Local Government Energy Modernization Program, a new funding opportunity to accelerate clean energy planning and deployment across the state’s incorporated towns, cities and counties. Issued by the Maryland Energy Administration, the program will provide $64 million for planning and capital projects to help local governments reduce utility costs, modernize infrastructure, and advance Maryland’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions.
“It isn’t enough to ask Marylanders to see themselves in the consequences of the climate crisis; they need to see themselves in the progress,” said Gov. Moore. “Investments in climate action drive new infrastructure projects, support our work modernizing the grid, and strengthen our pledge to act as disciplined stewards of the taxpayer dime. That is what today’s announcement is all about.”
The Local Government Energy Modernization Program represents a strategic transition from outdated, inefficient systems toward smarter, cleaner energy infrastructure. The one-time funding will help jumpstart budget savings at the county and local levels by deploying community-scale clean energy projects. The projects are expected to reduce government energy bills—allowing jurisdictions to redirect savings into essential services—in addition to shaving peak demand and improving grid reliability, lowering long-term supply and infrastructure costs that are typically passed along to consumers.
“These grants will help save money for county and local governments by investing deeply in clean energy at the local level. This can free up funding for other critical public services,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “The agency designed this program to be flexible enough to be tailored to local priorities so that every Maryland county — regardless of size or income — can take meaningful steps forward to cut costs and combat climate change.”
The program will provide funding through two pathways—formula-based block grants and competitive project grants for innovative clean energy initiatives—and uses an income-based cost-share structure to ensure rural and underserved counties can fully participate and plan for long-term investments. Eligible uses of funding include upgrading HVAC systems, installing solar panels, conducting energy audits and feasibility studies, improving building insulation, and other energy efficiency or renewable energy improvements.
The Maryland Energy Administration is accepting applications for the program through Friday, December 5 at 5 p.m.
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