Maryland passed energy legislation in 2008 that set specific goals for reducing peak energy use and overall energy use.  Following the passage of Federal Stimulus legislation later that year, the state was poised to receive millions of dollars for programs that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve energy efficiency statewide.  Calls for a strategic energy plan, or outlook, were made to best determine how and where to spend these funds. 

Energetics responded to a Request for Proposals to develop a strategic energy plan. In addition to research and analysis on energy supply and demand, as well as on possible program elements for the plan, Energetics supported a Stakeholder Committee to advise the MEA on the final suite of energy policies and programs included in the plan. The committee included government and industry representatives, advocacy organizations, and educational and non-profit institutions. 

This report is being used to guide decision-making efforts regarding energy policy in Maryland. Several legislative proposals were made during the 2010 Maryland legislative session based on the recommendations in the report. Two of these proposals—to accelerate the implementation of the solar requirement in the Maryland RPS, and a renewal and revision of Maryland’s clean energy production tax credit—were passed into law in 2010.