19990720 Electric Deregulation Workshop Synopsis

"Electric De-regulation and Energy Performance Contracting for Local Governments"

07/20/1999: I attended an all day Regional Energy Workshop on "Electric De-regulation and Energy Performance Contracting for Local Governments" at Howard Community College.

There were three components to the workshop:

1. Electric De-regulation: An introduction to the new regulations being implemented in Maryland to let customers to choose their own energy provider. This session provided training for local governments on how implement aggregation, pooling and bulk purchasing programs. Presentations were made on proposed programs that specifically assist local governments in their energy provider selection.

2. Energy Performance Contracting: This session included an overview of a new program being offered by the Maryland Energy Administration to local governments, which assists in implementing projects that improve energy efficiency and reduce consumption.

3. Maryland Grant and Alternate Financing Opportunities: The MEA is offering a series of grants to local governments that provide planning phase assistance to implement an Energy Performance Contracting program. This session also presented information on alternative financing programs offered by the Maryland State Central fund and municipal bonds.

Kevin E. Dayhoff

Westminster City Council

P.O. Box 1245

Westminster, MD 21158-0124