The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is currently seeking interested applicants for several funding and grant opportunities  for nonprofits and businesses centered around promoting energy efficiency within the state’s business community.

MEA recently launched the sixth cycle of its Data Center Energy Efficiency Grant Program  or "DCEEG." This program is the first of its kind in the country, designed to support the state’s growing information technology sector and provide funding on a first-come first-serve basis to encourage the implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency technologies in Maryland’s data centers.

DCEEG has already had profound benefits for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and Kaiser Permanente, as both organizations received funding to install more energy efficient technology in their data centers. MCPS implemented numerous upgrades including server virtualization, as well as replacement and migration of storage area networks to reduce energy consumption. Kaiser Permanente was able to complete energy efficiency upgrades in its regional data center in Silver Spring, including replacing constant speed fans with variable speed fans in its computer room air conditioning units, updating the controls to more efficient models and modes, and monitoring for energy saving opportunities.

MEA also offers a host of other funding and grant opportunities such as the Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program  and the Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Grant Program  on a first-come, first-serve basis to Maryland nonprofit organizations, local governments, businesses, and state agencies. These incentives provide Maryland organizations with support to implement energy efficient assets, as well as cost reductions, sustainability, and resilience against power disruptions.

For more information on MEA and other energy efficiency programs, visit the agency’s website.