If you are living in Maryland right now, there has never been a better time to improve the efficiency of your home. Why? Because in 2008, Maryland General Assembly passed the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act. This act aims to reduce per capita energy consumption at peak demand by 15 percent from 2007 to 2015. Currently, we live in the middle of this push for Maryland to reduce its energy consumption.

As of September 2012, Maryland had seen a reduction in per capita consumption by 10.8 percent. So Marylanders have dropped their individual peak use from 2.56 kilowatts to 2.28 kilowatts in about six years. This adds up to $250 million annually.

To reach the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act goal, government officials, utility companies and Marylanders are joining together to find more ways to conserve energy. They have been creating programs to generate awareness and offer homeowners rebates for energy efficient upgrades. Each step toward energy efficiency helps ensure the people of Maryland that they will have the energy they need for years to come.

The programs offered include lighting and appliance rebates, 50 percent rebates on insulation and air sealing improvements, commercial lights rebates and energy efficiency services for industrial facilities.

One way all Marylanders can save is by having a home audit. Regardless of the utility company, Maryland residents are entitled to a reduced cost audit, which regularly costs $400, but the utility company pays $300 of the bill. So, the cost to the homeowner is just $100. You can schedule one right now with America’s Best Energy Team.

Depending on your utility provider, you could get additional benefits such as light bulb replacements or power strips. Find your local utility company below to check out your ways to save:

• BGE: The BGE Smart Energy Savers Program® offers many ways for you to save. They offer homeowners rebates on heating and cooling systems, light bulbs, electric water heaters, washers, freezers, refrigerators and more. Plus, you can earn bill credits for joining the PeakRewardsSM program.
• Delmarva Power: With Energy Wise Rewards from Delmarva Power, you help conserve energy at peak time and gain a monthly reward bill credit and a choice of energy-saving devices at no charge.
• Pepco: An appliance rebate program helps you save up to $750 on energy-efficient appliances for your home. Plus, receive instant in-store rebates on CFL light bulbs.
• Potomac Edison: Save in your home and business with rebates and programs, such as the appliance turn-in program. Through this program, you can recycle your freeze or refrigerator and receive a rebate.
• SMECO: Look for rebates on everything from lighting to appliances. For heating and cooling systems, the company offers incentives up to $750 to help you heat and cool for less money.

By reducing your home’s energy cost, you put Maryland one step closer to its EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act goal in 2015.

You can also read this on ABET's blog site.