Five steps every Maryland business should take to cut energy costs

By Wendy Wire

At a growing logistics company in Dundalk, the leadership team was riding a wave of success—steady revenue, a loyal customer base and a strong reputation in the region. But as operating costs crept higher, they began looking for ways to tighten expenses without compromising service. Energy efficiency seemed like a promising path, but with no in-house energy manager and a small operations team that was already stretched thin, they weren’t sure where to begin. What upgrades made the most sense? How much would it cost? And who would manage the process?

Stories like this are playing out across Maryland. For many businesses, energy efficiency isn’t just about going green, it’s a smart, strategic way to cut costs and improve performance. Investing in energy-saving upgrades can lead to a cascade of benefits, including:

Lower monthly utility usage—your first and most visible win
Improved equipment performance for smoother operations and fewer breakdowns
Enhanced comfort that employees and customers can actually feel
Higher property value as efficient buildings command better market prices

Add access to valuable rebates and incentives, and it’s clear why more businesses are exploring energy efficiency as a strategic move. Last year, roughly 3.6 million Maryland homes and businesses used utility-run energy efficiency programs. The challenge, however, is knowing where to start—and finding the time or internal resources to manage it. Fortunately, there’s expert help available to guide you every step of the way, so you don’t have to go it alone.

Step 1: Find the right contractor

Choosing the right energy efficiency contractor can make or break your project—especially if your team is already stretched thin. The good news is that Maryland has energy programs that can connect you with experienced professionals who can take the lead. Here are five key qualities to look for:

Vetted by your utility
Start with a list of contractors approved by your utility’s energy efficiency program. These professionals are trained to understand the latest technologies and rebate opportunities, and they’re ready to manage the process for you.
Experience with your business type
Whether you’re a small café or a large warehouse, choose a contractor who understands your specific energy needs and can tailor solutions accordingly.
Hands-off project management
Look for providers who offer turnkey solutions—from consultation to installation—so you can focus on running your business while they handle the details.
Proven track record
Ask for case studies or references. High satisfaction rates are common among businesses that participate in energy programs, especially for popular upgrades like LED lighting.
Consultative approach
The best contractors don’t just sell equipment—they help you make informed decisions that maximize savings and minimize disruption to your day to day.

Step 2: Choose the right program for your business size

Maryland utilities offer a range of energy efficiency programs through EmPOWER Maryland tailored to different business sizes—and each comes with built-in support to help you succeed, even if you don’t have in-house energy expertise.

For small businesses:

On-site energy analysis: Receive a detailed analysis of your energy usage and recommendations for improvement.
Financial incentives: Upgrade equipment and save with energy-efficiency incentives.
Hands-on support: Small businesses often lack the staff to manage energy projects, so these programs offer extra guidance and contractor-led solutions.

For medium and large businesses:

Building tune-ups: Optimize your systems for peak performance.
Instant discounts: Save on a variety of energy-efficient equipment.
Major renovation support: Planning a big project? Get expert help from the ground up, including project management support from trained contractors.

Step 3: Focus on high-impact upgrades

Not sure where to start? These upgrades offer the best bang for your buck—and your contractor can help you prioritize based on your needs:

LED lighting: Lower energy use and maintenance costs.
Smart thermostats: Improve comfort and control.
Efficient HVAC systems: Reduce heating and cooling energy usage.
Building automation: Monitor and manage energy use in real time.

Step 4: Tap into expert support

Energy efficiency programs in Maryland offer technical consultations to help you identify the best upgrades for your facility. Whether you're retrofitting an old building or planning new construction, energy experts—and the contractors they work with—can guide you through the process, from selecting equipment to applying for incentives. If you don’t have the time or staff to manage the project internally, these professionals can step in and handle it for you.

Step 5: Market your efficiency

Once your upgrades are complete, don’t forget to share your success. Highlight your energy savings in marketing materials, on your website, and with your customers. Surveys have shown that a majority of American consumers say a company’s environmental reputation impacts their purchase decisions, and more than half say their opinion of a company improves if they knew they knew it was a leader in reducing pollution. It’s a great way to show your commitment to sustainability—and your bottom line.

Results realized: smarter energy use

At the end of the day, energy efficiency is a smart business move. With the right contractor, targeted upgrades and expert support, Maryland businesses can unlock significant savings and long-term value—without adding more to their already full plates.

Ready to get started? Reach out to your utility’s energy efficiency program and connect with a vetted contractor today. They’ll help you manage the process from start to finish—so you can focus on what you do best: running your business.

Los programas de EmPOWER Maryland se financian mediante un cargo en su factura de energía. Los programas de EmPOWER pueden ayudarle a reducir su consumo de energía y le ahorran dinero. Conozca más sobre EmPOWER Maryland.

El cargo de EmPOWER Maryland financia programas que pueden ayudarle a reducir su consumo de energía y emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero, así como también le ayudan a ahorrar dinero. Desde el comienzo del programa EmPOWER Maryland en 2008, los programas han ahorrado $14,500 millones de dólares en medidas instaladas con un costo de $4100 millones de dólares. Además de los costos de los nuevos programas, este cargo incluye el pago de los costos sin cobrar que se fueron acumulando con el tiempo por los programas exigidos por el estatuto EmPOWER y autorizados por la Comisión. De acuerdo con la Ley 864 de la Cámara de Representantes, los importes sin cobrar se pagarán en su totalidad a finales de 2032.