MARYLAND ENERGY ADMINISTRATION

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

Origins of the Maryland Energy Administration trace to 1973 when the Governor by Executive Order formed the Office of Energy Policy. Two years later, the Energy and Coastal Zone Administration was established by the Department of Natural Resources in 1975, and by law in 1976 (Chapter 320, Acts of 1976). The Administration was reorganized in 1979 as the Energy Administration. In 1982, it was reformed as the Energy Office. The Office became part of the Department of Housing and Community Development in 1987 (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987). The Office was abolished in 1991 when the Maryland Energy Administration was created as an independent agency (Chapter 468, Acts of 1991).

For all energy-related matters coming under the purview of the Governor, the Maryland Energy Administration is the central coordinating agency. It implements the State Energy Conservation Plan. The Administration oversees loan programs for energy improvements in schools, hospitals, municipal buildings, and facilities housing nonprofit organizations. It approves energy performance contract projects for State agencies and advises State agencies on matters of fuel oil shortage. In addition, the Administration helps industries promote market-ready energy-efficient innovations.

The Administration is the lead agency for implementing alternative fuel policy (National Energy Policy Act of 1992). In Maryland, it also conducts the federal Institutional Conservation Program, certain oil overcharge projects, and other programs established by the 1992 federal act. During energy supply emergencies, the Administration is responsible for fuel allocations and contingency planning.

The Director of the Maryland Energy Administration is appointed by the Governor (Code 1957, Art. 41, secs. 10-701 through 10-705).

The Council has twenty-four members. They consist of the energy coordinator for each county and Baltimore City.

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