Maryland Energy Extension @EnergyUME

UMD research shows a dual‑mode “thermal battery” can reduce peak heating and cooling demand by storing and shifting energy for later use. The approach highlights how building‑level innovations can help lower grid strain and improve energy efficiency. 🔗 eng.umd.edu/news/story/stu…

Fed regulators approved PJM’s new “fast‑track” process to speed major energy projects on the grid The change prioritizes larger, ready‑to‑build proposals, reflecting efforts to connect new generation faster as demand rises across MD & broader PJM region 🔗conduitstreet.mdcounties.org/2026/06/15/fed…

Maryland Clean Energy Center announced $2.7M in financing to support solar + storage installations across 25 affordable housing properties. The projects expand on-site energy generation and resilience while helping reduce long-term operating costs. 🔗 mdcleanenergy.org/news/srf-27m/

MD & 8 other Northeast states, along with DC, are exploring a shared offshore wind network using high‑voltage DC transmission lines The effort reflects growing cross‑state coordination to strengthen the grid as offshore capacity & electricity demand expand utilitydive.com/news/northeast…

Montgomery County has enacted a 6‑month pause on new data center permits to study impacts on energy, infrastructure, and land use, as officials weigh a longer moratorium. Data centers are a rapidly growing source of electricity demand across PJM. 🔗 wtop.com/maryland/2026/…

Maryland will require public EV charging stations to register and pay a $75 annual fee per port to fund state inspections. The policy aims to ensure accurate electricity metering and support consumer confidence as EV adoption continues to grow. 🔗 marylandmatters.org/briefs/marylan…

2 MD power plants (Brandon Shores & Wagner) will remain online through May 2029 under reliability agreements, even as retirement plans continue The extension shows PJM’s need to maintain grid stability as demand grows & replacement infrastructure is built marylandmatters.org/2026/06/11/bra…

MD announced a $43M initiative for new community solar projects, expanding shared clean energy access to households unable to install rooftop systems. The funding boosts local capacity & expands participation in the state’s distributed energy network. 🔗 governor.maryland.gov/news/press-rel…

Maryland regulators corrected federal data on electricity prices, noting residential rates rose ~17% from Mar 2025–Mar 2026—not 89% as previously reported. This update highlights the importance of accurate data in tracking energy cost trends. 🔗 marylandmatters.org/2026/06/06/an-…

Baltimore is ending its deal allowing BGE to invest in city‑owned underground conduit to renegotiate terms. The network supports electric and telecom lines, raising questions about how cities and utilities share costs for grid and system upgrades. thebanner.com/politics-power…

A fed initiative to invest ~$700M in coal includes $85M to restart the retired 205‑MW Warrior Run plant in Western MD. The project reflects efforts to add dispatchable capacity in PJM, though the site is also being evaluated for battery storage. marylandmatters.org/2026/06/04/tru…

MD and VA are advancing stricter coal ash rules following federal rollbacks, aiming to strengthen groundwater protections. Coal ash remains a long‑term challenge as states take a larger role in disposal standards. EPA comments open through June 12. bayjournal.com/news/pollution…

Join UMD Extension on June 15 (noon–1:15 pm) to review key land use, legal, & economic factors for landowners considering leasing land for solar. Explore lease structures, negotiation tips, and considerations for hosting solar on your land. More info at: go.umd.edu/SolarEnergy

A proposed Maryland transmission line may be delayed to late 2028 due to procedural steps, even as PJM says it’s needed for reliability. The gap highlights challenges aligning infrastructure buildout with growing regional electricity demand. baltimoresun.com/2026/05/29/pse…

PJM received fed approval to curtail power to data centers & other big users during peak demand as heat & outages tighten supply The 13‑state grid, including MD, is managing growing load & limited reserves to maintain reliability under stressed conditions utilitydive.com/news/pjm-doe-e…

MD regulators delayed a rule requiring new natural gas customers to pay for line extensions, citing the need for more data on economic impacts. The decision highlights ongoing evaluation of how infrastructure costs are allocated as energy systems evolve. marylandmatters.org/2026/05/16/psc…

MD has enacted the Utility RELIEF Act to address electricity costs The law uses ~$100M in state funds for ratepayer offsets, removes a ~$20M utility incentive, & requires users like data centers to fund grid upgrades rather than shift costs to households foxbaltimore.com/news/local/maj…

A federal appeals court has paused a MD law limiting retail electricity “green” marketing, citing possible First Amendment concerns The case highlights how states regulate environmental claims and Renewable Energy Credits as the green power market expands law360.com/energy/article…

Maryland’s largest C‑PACE deal closed: a Frederick hotel secured $43M via MDPACE for efficiency upgrades, including high‑efficiency HVAC, LEDs, & insulation. The project highlights how structured financing supports large-scale building energy improvements mdcleanenergy.org/news/mdpace-fr…