Johanna Neumann Maryland PIRG Policy Advocate

Maryland At An Energy Crossroads

I believe that many problems in the world are actually opportunities in disguise.

Maryland’s energy problem is real and complex. Energy prices are going up. Meanwhile demand for electricity is increasing as our state’s population continues to grow. Decision-makers are at a crossroads and need to make a choice.

One choice would be to follow the lead of energy companies like Constellation Energy and Dominion Power. These companies want our political leaders to endorse a new nuclear power plant at Calvert Cliffs, subsidize massive investments in transmission lines, and encourage our dependence on polluting sources of energy that harm our health and the environment.

The other choice would be to do what is best for the public - use the electricity we already make more wisely and invest in clean renewable sources of energy.

There are countless ways we can reduce our energy use. Simple solutions like insulating our homes and businesses better and making sure that appliances in stand-by mode don’t drain power are available right now.

And more sophisticated solutions are available as well. Did you know that the average power plant converts only 35 percent of the energy it takes in into electricity? The remaining 65 percent is lost, mostly through heat. But we have the technology to capture that lost energy and use it to heat our homes and businesses. In fact, the Energy Information Administration reports that combined heat and power from the commercial and institutional sector alone could save 1711 MW, more power than is created by Maryland’s two nuclear reactors combined.

Making this choice has profound consequences. Our rivers, lakes and streams would be cleaner, our children healthier and our electricity bills lower.

The energy efficient appliances legislation Maryland PIRG helped pass this spring is a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done. With your support my staff and I will continue to educate decision-makers about opportunities they can seize to benefit our state.