Maryland looking at millions in new federal dollars for electrification, state money for “solar energy equity programs” – Tri-State Alert

12 July 2024- Governor Wes Moore this week has announced $12.1 million in federal funding as part of the first round of conditional awards to expand electric vehicle charging sites under the  National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program. The program, part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will accelerate the deployment of publicly accessible EV chargers and build a reliable and convenient charging network, creating 130 fast-charging ports at 23 sites in 15 counties across the state.  

“Clean energy is not just smart for the environment; it creates new jobs for Marylanders and strengthens our economy. Climate action is about more than avoiding disaster. It’s about growing opportunity, and we can – and we will – do both,” said Gov. Moore. “Maryland takes a back seat to no one in advancing our clean energy goals, and today, we move one step closer to achieving a more sustainable future for all. I want to thank the Biden-Harris Administration and our federal, state, and local partners for their support.”

The Maryland Department of Transportation is partnering with ElectraStop, Francis Energy, Gridwealth EV, Koulomb, Pilot Travel Centers, Tesla and Wawa in deploying the EV chargers, subject to final agreement with the Maryland Department of Transportation. Sites include travel centers, shopping malls, gas stations and convenience stores located along federally-designated Alternative Fuel Corridors, which support EV charging and hydrogen, propane and natural gas fueling infrastructure.

Award recipients will receive program funding for up to 80 percent of the cost of the new EV infrastructure. Recipients are also required to operate and maintain direct current fast (DC) chargers, ensuring they are operational 97% of the time for at least five years and will provide $5.6 million in private match. Participants have one year to build the new EV charging port, with sites opening by Fall 2025. 

The conditional awards represent a critical step in Maryland’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure plan implementation of 41 total EV fast charging sites, necessary to meet the federal build-out of the state’s Alternative Fuel Corridors. When the new fast charging sites are open, Maryland will meet more than 50% of the federal build-out requirements for the corridors. 

Also this week, Moore and his administration have announced $6 million for new projects through the Solar Energy Equity Program. This money is NOT federal dollars, but rather from the Maryland Energy Administration.

Solar Energy Equity Program grants provide up to $25,000 per qualified household for repairs and solar installations. Participating homes must receive an energy audit and significant energy efficiency upgrades. The awards are administered through non-profit organizations that engage contractors to install solar arrays free of charge, including:

Building Change, Inc
Building Change is a non-profit organization in Prince George’s County whose mission is to advance consumer empowerment through advocacy, thought leadership, education and developing technological solutions to promote and finance healthy living, the built environment, community development and sustainable construction practices. The organization will receive a $2 million grant.

Civic Works, Inc.
Civic Works operates education, community improvement and energy conservation programs. As a long-time recipient of Maryland Energy Administration grant funding, Civic Works has developed an extensive network of Maryland customers who experience income-related challenges and have previously received energy audits, weatherization and energy efficiency services. The organization will receive a $2.45 million grant.

Community Action Council of Howard County, Maryland, Inc.
Community Action Council of Howard County is a not-for-profit community action agency whose activities benefit numerous clients experiencing income-related challenges. In addition to being a longstanding recipient of Maryland Energy Administration grants, the organization has received several grants on behalf of local, state and federal governments to drive their mission, including Head Start, energy assistance, housing assistance, food assistance and weatherization programs. The organization will receive a $1.25 million grant.

Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, Inc.
The Green and Healthy Homes Initiative is dedicated to addressing the social determinants of health and the advancement of racial and health equity through the creation of healthy, safe and energy efficient homes. It has proposed to integrate Maryland Energy Administration renewable energy funding with other funding sources to identify and install solar on income-challenged homes. The organization will receive a $300,000 grant.

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