The United States is currently in a time of rapid expansion of renewable energy. As of today, 11 states generate more than 10 percent of their electricity from non-hydro renewable energy sources.

Three of those states, Iowa, Kansas and South Dakota stand at more than 20 percent. 

Maryland adopted a new moratorium on hydraulic fracking last month. The legislation will become law in October. 

Governor Larry Hogan also signed a bill in May in support of community solar initiatives through a three-year pilot program. This bill, known as House Bill 1087 requires the community solar projects to be regulated under the Public Service Commission (PSC). This will allow a structure to develop, including electricity generation and cost allocation. 

"This pilot program is a key component to our industry's goal of increasing access to solar energy," said Rick Peters, Maryland-DC-Virginia Solar Energy Industries Association (MDV-SEIA) board president and CEO of Solar Energy Services.

Once the pilot program is completed, utilities and subscribers are able to continue their community solar programs, as long as they remain within 1,500 MW limits. 

This law is set to go into effect on July 1, 2015.

One of Maryland's main building developers, Pepco, is also attempting to add to the energy efficiency movement with its access to and understanding of energy data for its clients. 

This initiative hopes to improve energy efficiency and costs in the future. It was part of the bigger plan, the Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Summit held earlier this month. 

The DOE hopes to cut energy intensity in buildings and plants by 20 percent over the next 10 years.

To learn more about Maryland's energy efficiency initiative, or to schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspectors, visit our website.