Maryland Considers Spending Millions of Federal Dollars for Electrification and State Money for ‘Solar Equity Programs’

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

“Clean energy isn’t just smart for the environment; it creates jobs for Marylanders and strengthens our economy. Climate action is about more than avoiding disaster. It’s about expanding opportunity, and we can — and will — do both.” Governor Moore said“Maryland is leading the way on our clean energy goals, and today we are 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 to deploy EV chargers, subject to a 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 that support EV charging and hydrogen, propane and natural gas fueling infrastructure.

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

The conditional awards are a key step in implementing Maryland’s National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Plan, which includes a total of 41 electric vehicle fast charging stations needed to meet federal requirements to expand the state’s alternative fuel corridors. Once the new fast charging stations open, Maryland will be more than 50 percent compliant with federal corridor expansion requirements.

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

Solar Energy Equity Program grants provide up to $25,000 per eligible household for solar repairs and installations. Participating homes must undergo an energy audit and make significant energy efficiency improvements. Awards are given through nonprofit organizations that engage contractors to install solar panels for free, including:

Building Change, Inc.
Building Change is a Prince George’s County nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote consumer empowerment through advocacy, thought leadership, education, and developing technology solutions to promote and fund healthy lifestyles, the built environment, community development, and sustainable building practices. The organization will receive a $2 million grant.

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

Community Action Council of Howard County, Maryland, Inc.
The Community Action Council of Howard County is a nonprofit community service agency that benefits a wide range of clients who are struggling with income issues. In addition to being a long-time recipient of Maryland Energy Administration grants, the organization has received several grants on behalf of local, state and federal governments to support its 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 aims to address the social determinants of health and promote racial and health equity by creating healthy, safe, and energy-efficient homes. It has proposed integrating Maryland Energy Administration renewable energy funding with other funding sources to identify and install solar panels on low-income homes. The organization will receive a $300,000 grant.