Lower Energy Costs with Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Potomac Edison's Small Business Direct Install (SBDI) Program helps Maryland small businesses and nonprofits with 100 kW or less in average annual demand pay for energy-efficient upgrades — covering up to 80% of installed project costs. Since the program began, more than 3,500 Maryland small businesses have completed nearly 4,000 energy efficiency projects and installed 28,500+ individual upgrades such as LED lighting, HVAC controls and refrigeration improvements. These projects have saved participating businesses more than 58 million kWh per year and delivered $20.5 million in incentives paid directly to Maryland small businesses. The SBDI program supports EmPOWER Maryland's efforts to encourage efficient energy use through utility-funded incentives.

Small Business Direct Install Program: By the Numbers

3,576 Maryland small businesses served
Nearly 4,000 completed energy efficiency projects
28,500+ individual measures installed (lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, controls and more)
58,637,500 kWh saved every year — enough electricity to power about 5,500 average homes for a year
271,524 metric tons of lifetime greenhouse gas reduction — roughly equal to taking 59,000 cars off the road for a year
More than $20.5M in incentives paid directly to participating businesses since 2024
84% of participants upgraded their lighting — the program's most common improvement

Small Business Direct Install

See What Customer Say About the Program

Broadfording Church & Global Visual Christian School (Hagerstown, MD): “We had these old lights that were just an eyesore — I knew they weren’t efficient just by looking at them.” said Jeremy Redding, School Operations Director. The project included a full campus LED retrofit (gym, classrooms, exterior) plus occupancy-based controls. Program highlights include: more than $100,000 in incentives, 0% interest financing and 139,996 kWh saved annually.

Mason Dixon Dragway (Boonsboro, MD): The owner of Mason Dix Dragway, Elmer Wachter, says, “Our electric bill is about a third less, our hours are longer, and our income is up.” 65-year-old racetrack replaced outdated metal-halide lighting, cutting total wattage nearly in half while improving safety. Program highlights include: $100,800 in incentives, 133,024 kWh saved annually and about $14,633 saved per year.

Affordable Energy Upgrades Start Here

Customers with an average annual electric demand up to 100 kW can schedule an assessment with our trusted Closed Network Providers and get started on energy-saving upgrades.

Potomac Edison's Small Business Direct Install Program offers up to 80% off installed project costs, making energy-efficient upgrades more affordable than ever.

Since customers contribute to EmPOWER Maryland through their energy bills, this program offers on-site energy assessments at no additional cost. During your assessment, an Energy Advisor will provide customized recommendations to help you reduce energy use, lower operating costs and shrink your carbon footprint.

Financing options are also available to support your upgrades, including:

Loan amounts starting at $500
Interest rates ranging from 0% to 2.99%

Closed Network Providers

Our Closed Network Providers are ready to assess your facility, identify opportunities and implement upgrades that reduce your energy use and grow your bottom line.

Contact any approved Closed Network Provider to schedule a site visit at your facility, at which time they will conduct a detailed analysis of your energy use.

Company	POC	Email	Phone	Website	Services	Schedule Assessment
Aircon Engineering Inc.	Jason Pannone	[email protected]	301-722-7269	airconeng.com	HVAC	Schedule Now
American Energy Services	Luke Finch	[email protected]	443-974-6918	aeservices.us	Lighting/Controls	Schedule Now
kW Efficiency	Nicholas Richardson	[email protected]	301-712-8768	kwefficiency.com	Lighting/Controls	Schedule Now
M.S. Johnston	Michael Johnston	[email protected]	301-733-1066	msjohnston.com	Food Service Refrigeration HVAC	Schedule Now
National Resource Management	Jeff Snowden	[email protected]	240-741-2165	nrminc.com	Refrigeration	Schedule Now
Willdan Energy Solutions	Jim Sweeney	[email protected]	301-686-4100	willdan.com	Lighting/Controls HVAC	Schedule Now

FAQs

Is the energy assessment free? On-site energy assessments through the Small Business Direct Install Program are provided at no additional cost, funded through the EmPOWER Maryland charge already included on participating customers' energy bills.
How much does the program cover? The program covers up to 80% of installed project costs for qualifying upgrades. Government, non-profit and institutional (GNI) customers — including schools and houses of worship — receive an additional 10% incentive on top of the standard amount.
What businesses qualify for the Small Business Direct Install Program? Non-residential Potomac Edison customers in Maryland with an average annual electric demand of 100 kW or less qualify, including commercial, institutional, industrial, religious, and multifamily common-area accounts. Tenants qualify if the Potomac Edison account is in their name.
What upgrades are eligible? Eligible upgrades include LED lighting and controls, HVAC tune-ups and controls, refrigeration controls, variable frequency drives (VFDs) up to 40 hp, dual enthalpy economizers, beneficial electrification and other program-approved improvements. Lighting is the most installed upgrade, accounting for 84% of program participants.
How long does a project take to finish? Timeline varies by scope, but Closed Network Providers manage the process from assessment through installation.
Can I upgrade if I lease my space? Yes. Commercial tenants are eligible if the Potomac Edison account is in their name.
What if my business doesn't need lighting? The program also covers HVAC controls, refrigeration, VFDs, smart thermostats, beneficial electrification, water heating and weatherization.
Is financing available? Yes. Potomac Edison's financing partner, Optimus, offers loans starting at $500 with interest rates from 0% to 2.99%, with loan amounts available up to $250,000.
How many Maryland businesses have used this program? Since the start of 2024, 3,576 Maryland small businesses have completed 3,939 projects through the Small Business Direct Install Program, saving a combined 58.6 million kWh per year.

Small Business Direct Install

Lower Energy Costs with Energy-Efficient Upgrades