Montgomery County has secured more than $8.3 million in State funding to support 20 clean energy and energy efficiency projects that will reduce operating costs, strengthen emergency preparedness, and modernize public facilities across the County.
“This $8.3 million investment from the Maryland Energy Administration will help Montgomery County modernize public facilities, reduce energy costs, and expand clean energy infrastructure across our community,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “The funding will support practical projects that improve energy efficiency, strengthen emergency preparedness, and create more resilient public spaces, particularly in communities that are more vulnerable during extreme weather events. These investments will lower long-term operating costs for taxpayers while helping the County make meaningful progress toward our climate goals.”
The funding, awarded through the Maryland Energy Administration’s FY26 Local Government Energy Modernization (L-GEM) Program, will help install solar-powered backup systems at community facilities, expand renewable energy projects, improve public parking facilities, and advance the County’s long-term climate and resilience goals.
Together with County cost-share investments, the projects are expected to save taxpayers at least $439,000 annually in energy costs and generate more than $11 million in savings over their lifetime.
“The more than $8 million funding from the Maryland Energy Administration will help Montgomery County advance clean-energy projects that reflect our sustainability-aligned values,” said Montgomery County Council President Natali Fani-González. “We reject the Trump administration’s harmful cuts to essential federal programs and grant funding that address climate change. In Montgomery County and Maryland, we are doubling down on investments that will help advance our climate goals.”
At a Glance
The State investment will:
- Support 20 clean energy and energy efficiency projects across County facilities.
- Save taxpayers an estimated $439,000 annually in energy costs.
- Generate more than $11 million in long-term savings.
- Install solar-powered backup systems at recreation centers and community facilities.
- Advance Montgomery County’s resilience hub and microgrid initiative.
- Expand solar energy projects in Montgomery Parks.
- Improve safety, lighting, and energy efficiency in public parking facilities.
- Produce enough clean electricity annually to power approximately 580 homes.
- Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of approximately seven million miles driven by gasoline-powered vehicles each year.
“The Maryland Energy Administration is committed to partnering with local governments to advance clean, affordable, reliable energy that meets our common goals,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Kelly Speakes-Backman. “Investments through the Strategic Energy Investment Fund help communities deliver lasting economic and sustainability benefits and create long-term savings for residents. These efforts will result in a win for local communities and a win for Maryland.”
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Strengthening Community Resilience
A major focus of the funding is improving the County’s ability to provide services and support residents during power outages and extreme weather events.
Working closely with the Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (OEMHS), the Department of General Services (DGS) will install solar-powered backup systems at seven recreation centers and one health center located in Equity Focus Areas and rural communities.
These investments support the County’s long-term plan to establish resilience hubs or microgrids at 14 community centers and nine additional public facilities. Combined with future battery storage investments, these sites will provide residents with access to backup power, refrigeration, heating, and cooling during emergencies.
Several locations also will receive energy efficiency upgrades designed to reduce overall energy consumption and operating costs.
“This State partnership allows us to make meaningful progress toward Montgomery County’s ambitious climate goals while strengthening resilience and reducing pollution,” said Montgomery County Climate Change Officer Sarah Kogel-Smucker. “These investments will help create a cleaner, more sustainable community for future generations.”
Clean Energy Projects Across the County
Of the total award, approximately $7 million will support renewable energy projects, and more than $1.3 million will fund energy efficiency improvements.
Solar investments funded through the program are expected to generate more than 5,800 megawatt-hours of clean electricity annually, enough to power approximately 580 homes each year.
The projects are also expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 2,835 metric tons annually.
DGS will use a third-party power purchase model for solar investments, reducing upfront costs for taxpayers while creating opportunities for local businesses.
“We are proudly advancing Montgomery County’s climate goals through innovative green energy solutions, including microgrids and resilience hubs,” said DGS Director David Dise. “We appreciate the Maryland Energy Administration’s partnership and support in helping us build a cleaner and more resilient future for our community.”
Key Projects Funded Through the Grant
Community Facilities and Emergency Preparedness
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- Solar-powered backup systems at seven recreation centers.
- Solar-powered backup systems at one health center.
- Energy efficiency upgrades at selected public safety facilities.
- Expansion of future resilience hub and microgrid infrastructure.
Montgomery Parks
- Solar installation at Wheaton Sports Pavilion.
- Solar installation at Olney Manor Recreational Park.
- Agrivoltaics demonstration project at the Agricultural History Farm Park.
“This funding is an important investment in a more sustainable future for Montgomery Parks and the communities we serve,” said Montgomery Parks Director Miti Figueredo. “These projects will expand solar energy across our park system, reduce long-term operating costs, and support Montgomery County’s climate goals.”
Montgomery County Department of Transportation
- Building automation system upgrades.
- Automated sump pump improvements.
- Switchgear modernization.
- Lighting and safety enhancements in public parking garages.
- Engineering studies for future solar canopies in Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Wheaton.
The projects are designed to improve energy efficiency, safety, and accessibility while supporting the County’s DarkSky initiative to reduce light pollution.
In Silver Spring and Wheaton, the County also will evaluate opportunities to direct solar-generated electricity into the grid to help reduce energy costs for nearby low- and moderate-income communities.
“This investment delivers real benefits for residents by creating safer, more energy-efficient public facilities while advancing Montgomery County’s sustainability goals,” said Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Director Chris Conklin. “These projects will help reduce energy use, lower light pollution, and expand opportunities for cleaner and more affordable energy.”
Partnership Across County Government
The projects were developed through a collaborative effort involving DGS, MCDOT, Montgomery Parks, OEMHS, and the Office of Grants Management (OGM).
OGM coordinated the County’s application and will oversee grant compliance, reporting, and performance tracking.
“Establishing the Office of Grants Management has strengthened the County’s ability to coordinate across agencies, pursue larger funding opportunities, and deliver meaningful results for residents,” said OGM Director Rafael Murphy. “This award demonstrates how strategic partnerships can expand economic, environmental, and equity benefits without increasing taxes.”
The Maryland Energy Administration’s Local Government Energy Modernization Program was funded through a one-time appropriation from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund to help local governments modernize infrastructure, expand clean energy initiatives, and support long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
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Read the original article at mcgov