Operating a building at the highest level of energy efficiency can be challenging. The increasing complexities of interdependent building systems—from HVAC motors and frequency drives to lighting and energy management systems—require building operators to possess a comprehensive understanding of how everything works together in order to optimize energy efficiency.How We Can HelpBGE offers financial incentives that cover up to 100% of enrollment costs or a maximum of $1,000 per course*, whichever is less, for approved building operator and maintenance training.You can choose to take courses related to equipment upgrades and replacements involving variable frequency drives, lighting retrofits and controls and other energy-saving measures. Check out our list of prequalified courses and certifications below.Why You Should Get TrainedBuilding operator training improves your understanding of how to optimize a building’s controls and implement changes to create a more comfortable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly space. Some courses also count toward professional certifications such as the Building Operator Certification and LEED certification.Who Is EligibleIndividuals who have two or more years of experience in building operations and support facilities within the BGE service territory can participate. Building engineers, stationary engineers, maintenance supervisors, maintenance workers, facility coordinators, HVAC technicians, electricians, operations supervisors and technicians, and others in the field of facility operations and maintenance are encouraged to apply.To receive a financial incentive, you must be:Employed in a position of responsibility for the energy management of the facility or have the potential to influence the building’s energy performance.Assigned to work at a commercial or industrial facility within BGE’s service territory and be present at that facility for at least 50% of your working hours.If you’re a contractor, a representative of your BGE customer must provide a letter, on company letterhead, stating that you’re assigned to work at the customer’s facility and that the BGE customer supports your participation in the Building Operator Training Program.Your eligibility to receive a financial incentive is based on your successful completion of courses, examinations and assigned on-the-job projects. The incentives cover a percentage of the enrollment fees or tuition and are distributed upon course completion. Associated costs, including but not limited to travel, food, lodging and test fees, are not eligible for incentives. Prequalified Courses and Certifications Association of Energy Engineers (AEE)Certified Energy Manager (CEM)Certified Energy Manager in Training (EMIT)Certified Building Commissioning Professional (CBCP)Certified Lighting Efficiency Professional (CLEP)Existing Building Commissioning Professional (EBCP)Certified Business Energy Professional (BEP)Certified Energy Auditor (CEA)Effective Energy Management Master Plan Online Training ProgramEnergy Auditing Fundamentals Online Training ProgramAABC Commissioning Group (ACG)Certified Commissioning Authority (CxA)BOMI InternationalThe Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Building Systems, Part IThe Design, Operation, and Maintenance of Building Systems, Part IIAir Handling, Water Treatment, and Plumbing SystemsEnergy Management and ControlsRefrigeration Systems and AccessoriesElectrical Systems and IlluminationHigh-Performance Sustainable Building PrinciplesHigh-Performance Sustainable Building PracticesHigh-Performance Sustainable Building InvestmentsHigh-Performance Sustainable Building: HVAC OptimizationFundamentals of Facilities ManagementBoilers, Heating Systems, and Applied MathematicsClean Energy Center (CEC)Building Operator Certification® Level IBuilding Operator Certification® Level IIFundamentals of Energy Efficient Building OperationsCommercial Building Re-TuningEnergy Management Association (EMA)Property Manager and Building Owner Training: Meeting Maryland's Climate Goals for 2025 and BeyondEnergy Management ProfessionalVirtual Operations & Maintenance Training International Association of Lighting Management Companies (NALMCO)Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT)Certified Senior Lighting Technician (CSLT)International Facility Management Association (IFMA)Certified Facility Manager (CFM)Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)LEED-AP-O&M: Accredited Professional Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Building Operations & Maintenance)LEED-AP BD&C: Accredited Professional Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design - Building Design Construction)National Association of Power EngineersPlant Equipment and OperationsAir Conditioning I, II, IIIHeat PumpsRefrigerationElectric MotorThe Engineer & ManagementEnvironmental Impact & EngineeringControls I, IIIPBJ Tech Hub (PBJ)Energy Savings M&V Fundamentals & IPMVP (PMVA)Fundamentals of Heat Pump Systems: Efficiency, Electrification & Sustainability (live webinar)*Limited to one course per person per year. Quick Actions How to Participate How to Participate Identify a course or certification you’re interested in. Refer to our list of prequalified courses and certifications on the Building Operator Training page, or you can propose alternative courses. BGE will review all courses proposed by you or your employer. Courses with an emphasis on other energy sources, such as gas or water conservation, are not eligible.Ensure that you meet all minimum eligibility requirements mandated by the associated learning institution before submitting your application to BGE.Complete and submit your incentive application, along with all necessary documentation, to BGE for preapproval before enrolling in or attending a course. You’ll need to submit separate applications for each course you plan to attend. Preapproval is required for all applications.Await BGE’s review and preapproval of the course and determination of eligibility. Please allow about 10 business days to receive notice of preapproval and course eligibility.Enroll in and attend your chosen training upon receipt of BGE’s preapproval of your application.Submit to BGE the invoice for the course and provide a copy of the certificate of completion or alternate documentation from the instructor, organization, school or company administering the course within 30 days of completing your course or certification.Receive your incentive payment within about 6 to 8 weeks of final approval. Course Calendar Getting StartedQuestions? Call 410.290.1202 or email Business@BGESmartEnergy.com.Incentive Application Course Calendar You may be interested in... four_column Customer Case Studies Video Highlights General FAQS Program Fact Sheets