EmPOWER Programs
EmPOWER is Maryland’s utility-customer funded program to support energy efficiency, conservation, greenhouse gas reductions, and demand response. (Demand response measures reduce energy demand during times of high usage.) EmPOWER is funded through the EmPOWER surcharge on your energy bill. EmPOWER is administered by the State’s largest utilities and the Department of Housing and Community Development (“DHCD”). The Maryland Public Service Commission oversees the EmPOWER program.
EmPOWER has saved Maryland utility customers billions of dollars since it began in 2008.
Maryland’s five largest electric utilities offer many programs, funded by EmPOWER, to save your home or business energy and money. Industrial programs are also available. Washington Gas Light (“WGL”) is offering programs in 2026, and Baltimore Gas and Electric (“BGE”) is offering programs for gas customers in 2026, but recent changes in the law will require WGL and BGE to phase their EmPOWER programs for gas customers out by December 31, 2026.
Programs include appliance rebates, HVAC, Home Performance with Energy Star, Energy Star New Homes, combined heat and power programs, and other energy efficiency services and/or measures for homes, businesses and industrial facilities.
EmPOWER can help you install an electric heat pump in your home, check the efficiency of your existing home heating equipment, weatherize your home, buy a more efficient refrigerator, and much more.
DHCD provides EmPOWER programs for limited-income residential customers free of charge. For more information on DHCD’s EmPOWER programs, click here.
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You may notice that the EmPOWER surcharge on your energy bills—which funds important energy efficiency and greenhouse gas reduction programs that can save you money—has increased in the past year or two. To learn more about the recently increased EmPOWER surcharge, click here.
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