Anne Arundel is taking steps to streamline its energy output, as the state government begins to tackle energy consumption during two forums today in Annapolis.
Solar panels eventually will be installed on a county warehouse building in Millersville to supplement the current electricity supply.
“Solar has a lot of potential so long as it?s in a building with not a great demand,” county Central Services Officer Fred Schram said.
The amount of energy to be saved is not known, as the county is still in the design process, Schram said.
The panels also could be installed in other buildings such as libraries, where electricity demand is relatively low.
Anne Arundel also is replacing rooftop electrical system units at buildings such as the Heritage Center in Annapolis, some of which are 20 years old.
The issue of electricity use has become a recent topic of discussion because of its environmental impact and the rising cost of power.
A report released last week by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation showed that Marylanders consume twice as much electricity as Californians, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
And a June report by Environment Maryland shows a list of energy-saving policies for state and local governments that could reduce emissions by 23 percent.
“[The report] shows that it is possible for the kind of reduction that scientists ask of us,” said Brad Heavner, Environment Maryland?s state director.
Anne Arundel gets 5 percent of its energy from renewable resources, but that number is expected to rise with the solar panel installation.
The county is looking to save money as well, by purchasing electricity straight from the grid than through a provider like Baltimore Gas and Electric in a regionwide contract.
It equates to a savings of $25 million.
