Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Energy Efficiency topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bill to create MCEC navigators to help public bodies pursue energy performance contracts wins broad support with amendments requested
Summary
HB 119 would create navigators at the Maryland Clean Energy Center to help municipalities, counties and schools with energy performance contracts and technical assistance; counties and private contractors asked that MCEC’s role be advisory to avoid competing with existing procurement channels.
Delegate Vogel presented HB 119 to establish MCEC‑hosted navigators who would provide technical assistance to public agencies, municipalities and school systems to pursue energy performance contracts and energy efficiency projects. Kathy McGruder of MCEC described visits to small towns that sought practical help to convert projects from idea to implementation and asked for the appropriation to expand staff from two to eight navigators.
Supporters including the Maryland Association of Counties said the concept helps jurisdictions with limited procurement capacity but requested language to keep the navigator role enabling and advisory rather than prescriptive. Schneider Electric requested that engagement with MCEC be optional to avoid competitive conflicts with private contractors that have existing cooperative purchasing arrangements.
Committee discussion focused on ensuring the program complements existing procurement channels and on possible amendments to clarify the navigator role.
