Lawmakers passed Thursday energy conservation measures that supporters say will eventually reduce electric rates and deflect rolling electric brownouts predicted to start as early as 2011.
Members of the House of Delegates cleared three bills that require a 15 percent reduction in the state?s energy use by 2015 and invest money coming to Maryland from a cap-and-trade pollution agreement in renewable-energy research.
“Conservation is not just a way to get us out of our problem,” said House Majority Leader Kumar Barve of Montgomery County. “It is the primary way to get us out.”
On Thursday the Senate passed the Strategic Energy Investment Fund, which determines how an estimated $140 million coming to Maryland in carbon allowances under a 10-state greenhouse gas emission agreement will be spent. Senators voted to return a portion of revenues to ratepayers, while members of the House opted to return only proceeds beyond $140 million.
Both chambers passed legislation requiring utility companies to increase renewable sources such as wind, solar and animal waste over the objections of some Republican leaders who said the measure will lead to higher rates.
Earlier this week, they pointed to angry customers of Allegheny Power in Western Maryland who were charged last year for compact fluorescent light bulbs without notification.
“Ratepayers lose again,” complained Sen. E.J. Pipkin, an Eastern Shore Republican. “The bureaucrats survive another day.”
Final passage will be a victory for Gov. Martin O?Malley, who identified energy efficiency as a top legislative priority. Both chambers Thursday began debate on legislation required to settle an agreement between the state and Constellation Energy Group, which includes a $170 rebate to Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. customers by the end of the year.
Energy conservation advocates predict a $4 return on every dollar the state invests in efficiency.
“We hope lawmakers continue to prioritize energy efficiency in the final compromise,” said Ed Osann of the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.
Examiner Staff Writer Len Lazarick contributed to this report.
