BGE will expand incentives to builders of energy efficient homes

Baltimore Gas and Electric plans to offer incentives to new home builders and contractors who meet new federal energy efficiency standards.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last week launched its Energy Star NextGen certification, a voluntary program designed to boost energy and emissions savings by installing new technologies in new homes and apartments.

The new “NextGen” certification, which builds upon an existing Energy Star program, certifies homes and apartments that go beyond minimum code requirements and feature technologies such as heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, electric cooking appliances and electric vehicle charging.

Builders who qualify in BGE’s service territory are eligible for rebates and technical support and training from the utility, a program sponsor.

BGE’s initiative is funded through EmPOWER Maryland, a state program that offers incentives and technical assistance to homeowners and businesses and is paid for through consumer surcharges.

BGE is an early adopter among utilities of the initiative, Jonathan Passe, manager of EPA’s Energy Star residential programs, said in an announcement Tuesday. Homes that earn NextGen certification are expected to be 20% more efficient than typical construction and to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40% to 80%.