Maryland Energy Administration

Clean, affordable, reliable energy for Maryland

Government AgencySuburban Maryland

About Maryland Energy Administration

What it is

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is the State of Maryland agency that works on energy policy and runs the state's energy incentive programs. It describes its mission as promoting clean, affordable, reliable energy and energy-related greenhouse gas emission reductions to benefit Marylanders in a just and equitable manner. Many of its programs are paid for through the Strategic Energy Investment Fund (SEIF). MEA's offices are at 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 425, in Baltimore.

What it offers founders

MEA is not a startup support organization. It is mainly a source of grants and rebates for businesses that own or operate buildings, vehicle fleets or energy projects in Maryland, and for clean energy companies whose customers use those incentives. MEA publishes an annual notice of upcoming programs. For FY27 the programs open to businesses include:

Commercial and Community Buildings Grant Program: competitive grants for efficiency, electrification, and renewable energy and storage upgrades. The FY27 round launched September 9, 2026, with about $48 million set aside for commercial buildings. Applications are due December 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern.
Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Program: grants for battery storage systems at homes, businesses and nonprofits.
Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Grant Program: for commercial and industrial fleets, agricultural operators and vehicle manufacturers.
Community EVSE Program: funding for electric vehicle charging, open to businesses, nonprofits and public entities.
Energy Challenge Prize: a prize competition open to businesses, nonprofits, governments and higher education. The challenge topic is announced later.
Megawatts for Maryland: a closed bid auction for developers of Tier 1 renewable generation and energy storage.

MEA's small business funding page also points to related financing outside MEA. Examples include Maryland Clean Energy Center loans and C-PACE, the SBA 504 Green Loan, county green bank programs and utility EmPOWER Maryland incentives.

Who it is for

Business programs are mostly for owners of commercial, industrial, nonprofit and multifamily buildings, for fleet operators, and for energy developers. Clean energy, building services and EV charging startups can also use the program list to understand what incentives their Maryland customers can claim. Owners of large buildings covered by the state Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) can get help from the Maryland Clean Buildings Hub.

How to apply

Start with the Grants and Incentives page and the FY27 notice of upcoming programs. Each program has its own funding opportunity announcement, eligibility rules and deadline. Most applications go through the My MEA portal at mea.maryland.gov, and some programs hold office hours and webinars before deadlines. Each grant cycle is competitive and time-limited, so check the program page before you plan a project around an award. General questions go to 410-537-4000 or 1-800-72-ENERGY.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

For Maryland businesses that want to cut energy costs or electrify buildings and vehicles, MEA is the main state source of non-dilutive funding. Its programs also help create demand for local clean energy installers and technology companies.

Programs

Commercial and Community Buildings Grant Program
Competitive grants for decarbonization projects in commercial, nonprofit, local government and school buildings, covering efficiency, electrification, and renewables with storage. The FY27 round is open, with applications due December 9, 2026.
Residential and Commercial Energy Storage Program
Grants to deploy energy storage systems in residential and commercial buildings, open to households, commercial organizations and nonprofits.
Maryland Clean Buildings Hub
MEA's central point for financial, educational and technical assistance for building owners, including help for buildings covered by the Building Energy Performance Standards.
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment Rebate Program
Rebates for electric vehicle charging equipment. Check the program page for current eligibility and application windows.
Grants and Incentives (all programs)
MEA's listing of current and upcoming programs, including the Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero-Emission Vehicle Grant, Community EVSE Program, Energy Challenge Prize and Megawatts for Maryland.

Who it serves

Maryland businesses, nonprofits, building owners, fleet operators, energy developers and local governments that want funding for clean energy, efficiency, storage and electrification projects.

Frequently asked questions

Can a for-profit business apply for MEA grants?

Yes, for several programs. In FY27 the Commercial and Community Buildings Grant, the energy storage program, the zero-emission vehicle grant, the Community EVSE Program and the Energy Challenge Prize all list businesses or commercial entities as eligible. Some other programs are only for households or governments.

What is the deadline for the FY27 Commercial and Community Buildings Grant?

Applications are due December 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM Eastern through the My MEA portal. MEA lists about $48 million for the commercial buildings track and holds virtual office hours before the deadline.

How do I apply for an MEA program?

Read the program's funding opportunity announcement on energy.maryland.gov, then apply through the My MEA portal at mea.maryland.gov. Questions can go to MEA at 410-537-4000 or 1-800-72-ENERGY.

Does MEA offer loans or startup funding?

MEA mainly offers grants and rebates for energy projects, not general startup capital. Its small business page points to clean energy financing from other sources, such as Maryland Clean Energy Center loans and C-PACE and the SBA 504 Green Loan.

Where is MEA located?

MEA's office is at 1800 Washington Blvd., Suite 425, Baltimore, MD 21230.