Case Study: Maryland Office of the People’s Council boosts energy savings and equity with VEIC

Maryland Office of the People’s Council boosts electric savings to 2–3.5% with VEIC

The Maryland Office of the People’s Council (OPC), a consumer advocacy agency, was challenged to provide comprehensive reviews of the energy efficiency programs offered by utilities under the EmPOWER Maryland initiative. Without specialized knowledge in energy efficiency, the OPC needed an expert to analyze these programs and ensure responsible use of ratepayer dollars. They selected vendor VEIC for its program solutions and consulting services to act as a third-party advisor.

VEIC implemented a solution involving regular, in-depth reviews of the energy efficiency programs and served as a key advisor. This included reviewing reports, providing detailed assessments of proposed plans, and serving as an expert representative. As a result of VEIC's guidance, the state adopted an aggressive 2% energy savings goal, which utilities have consistently met or exceeded. Annual electric savings more than doubled, increasing from 0.7-1.4% prior to the goal to 2-3.5% in 2019, leading to significant energy and cost savings for Maryland ratepayers.

Maryland Office of the People’s Council (opc)