What's New in the Program

Stay informed about the newest developments in the Energy Savings for Business program! We offer key details on program modifications, including updates to existing incentives, new initiatives, exclusive offers, EmPOWER Maryland guidelines, and more. Additionally, find updated instructions for completing applications, including processing times, deadlines, and technical specifications.

Review this section to ensure your projects meet compliance standards and assist your customers in saving both energy and money. We regularly update our content, so don’t forget to visit often to stay current with the newest program details.

What's New in the Program

Get Increased Incentives on Equipment Upgrades

Discover further possibilities to increase energy efficiency. Our Energy Savings for Business programs now offer new updates to help customers save more and reduce their operating costs:

  • The custom project rate has been updated from $0.25 to $0.29 per kWh for applications.
  • Submetering on custom projects to achieve Energy Conservation Measure savings estimates allows for higher incentives through more accurate energy monitoring.
  • Newly installed submetering equipment costs can be reimbursed for up to six months before or after installation.
  • Existing submeters within the building may also be eligible for incentives related to data collection and analysis.

But that's not all! Discover additional new incentives:

  • Eco Bonus - Projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote electrification can earn $1.70 per therm in incentives, plus standard kWh incentives. This applies to energy efficiency, electrification, and fuel-switching initiatives, capped at 10% total cost
  • Electrification – Independent of the kWh and Eco Bonus programs, these projects qualify for a $1.70 per therm incentive, subject to a maximum cost cap of 75%.

Combined Heat and Power Program Discontinuation

Pepco will discontinue our Combined Heat and Power (CHP) program. This decision reflects the alignment with new EmPOWER Maryland goals which prioritize the reduction of CO2 emissions. Consequently, as of January 1, 2025, we ceased accepting any new applications for CHP projects.

Customers and contractors who submitted applications before January 1, 2025, can finish their projects and receive their full payments. All payments must be made by December 31, 2026. Projects must be completed, and a full year of production data must be submitted by October 31, 2026, to receive all payments. If projects are not completed or do not meet all rules by the 2026 deadline, they will be cancelled.

Pursuant to Maryland Public Service Commission Order #91461, EmPOWER Maryland and utility programs are transitioning to new goals and performance metrics for 2025-2026. As of January 1, program goals are now tracked and reported in lifecycle metric tons of carbon dioxide-equivalent (CO2-e) emissions. This change in program goals introduces new standards and criteria for the current EmPOWER programs and project eligibility.

ENERGY STAR® Certification Changes

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ended their ENERGY STAR® certification for most lamps and luminaires on December 31, 2024. The certification now applies only to eligible downlights.

The Pepco Energy Savings for Business program will continue offering incentives for ENERGY STAR certified fixtures as usual under measure codes RL 171, RL 172, and RL 173.

The Technical Requirements for measure codes RL 171, RL 172, and RL 173 will be revised to include certain luminaires that were either formerly certified or can fulfill program technical requirements.

Please review the Lighting Fixtures and Controls Technical Sheets for the Pepco Energy Savings for Business program for the expanded eligibility definitions.

If you are still unsure whether a product qualifies for incentives, please contact us.

For context and details as they were announced by the EPA, see the ENERGY STAR Lighting Sunset Memo.

View Eligible Fixtures

 

EmPOWER Maryland programs are funded by a charge on your energy bill. EmPOWER programs can help you reduce your energy consumption and save you money. To learn more about EmPOWER and how you can participate, click here.

The EmPOWER Maryland charge funds programs that can help you reduce your energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions and save you money. Since the inception of the EmPOWER Maryland program in 2008, the programs have saved $14.5 billion on installed measures at a cost of $4.1 billion. In addition to new program costs, this charge includes paying off the uncollected costs that were accrued over time by programs required by the EmPOWER statute and authorized by the Commission. In accordance with House Bill 864 the uncollected amounts will be fully paid by the end of 2032.