“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:
“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.”
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
Montgomery Parks
“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
The projects are designed to improve energy efficiency, safety, and accessibility while supporting the County's DarkSky initiative to reduce light pollution.
