Maryland Nonprofit Consumer Group Gives Progress Report on Energy

Although energy efficent programs have been put into place in Maryland during the past two years, a local Nonprofit Consumer Group still says the state may miss its 2015 energy savings target.  The group, Maryland PIRG Foundation, released the findings in their report Thursday at an energy efficient house in Myersville, MD. 

The report says that by the end of 2010, utility energy savings were on track to meet 46% of the state's 2015 goal, although this is estimated to cost consumers about $1.4 billion.  Over the long run, however, consumers will save about $60 million per year because of these efficency measures, and this number could swell to $900 million over the lifetime of the measures. 

On the negative side, however, the report is critical of the Maryland Public Service Commission, which the nonprofit says delayed implementation of 2008's EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act because of "unclear program guidelines and a drawn-out approval process."  The commission has also not yet made a system to evaluate utility programs in a timely manner, which Maryland PIRG says is essential to hold utility companies responsible if they don't meet their goals.

You can read more about Maryland PIRG's energy report at iStock Analyst.