Across the United States, millions of dollars in funding are being directed toward improving energy efficiency and accelerating electrification. At Brightcore Energy, we continuously track these opportunities so our clients can take advantage of the most beneficial incentives available.
Between Federal Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) still in place under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and newly strengthened state-level incentives, this is one of the most financially attractive moments to pursue geothermal heating and cooling.
Maryland is emerging as one of the strongest states in the region for geothermal heating and cooling projects. Between competitive grants, robust utility incentives, and one of the most valuable geothermal REC carve-outs in the country, organizations have a rare opportunity to significantly reduce project costs. It is important to note that many of these incentives come with deadlines, so it’s ideal to start scoping as soon as possible.
If you are interested in finding out how to take advantage of these incentives, Brightcore Energy can conduct an indicative assessment of geothermal options for your buildings or campus, with detailed economics and customized incentives and ITC stacking analysis. Fill out an inquiry form here: https://app.hubspot.com/forms/22641201/editor/1f97e7fe-26ed-40d9-b6cc-d53f832497f1/edit/form
Below is a simple breakdown of the most impactful programs in Maryland available today.
Commercial & Industrial Grant Program
The MEA Commercial & Industrial Grant Program provides funding for projects that improve energy efficiency in both new construction and retrofit applications across commercial and industrial campuses and facilities. Eligible measures include Ground Source Heat Pumps. Applications are due January 30, 2026, and grants of up to $500,000 per project are available. Funding can be applied to both hard and soft costs associated with implementing geothermal.
Electrifying Community Buildings Grant Program
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) Electrifying Community Buildings program is a competitive grant designed to fund efficient electrification projects in community-serving buildings such as schools and universities. Applications are due December 31, 2025, with grant size up to $1.5M per project. Coverage includes hard costs tied to eligible electrification and energy efficiency retrofit projects, including geothermal heating and cooling.
Maryland Geothermal REC Opportunity
Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) includes a dedicated carve-out for geothermal energy, driving some of the highest Geothermal Renewable Energy Credit (GREC). Through Brightcore’s collaboration with REC aggregators, eligible PJM-region geothermal systems can receive a one-time, upfront payment of up to $3,300 per ton of installed capacity. Brightcore oversees the full process, helping clients capture maximum value efficiently.
Maryland Utility Prescriptive and Custom Programs
Through the EmPOWER program, BG&E, Potomac, Delmarva, PEPCO, Washington Gas Light, and SMECO offer incentives for GSHP installation on a per ton basis. Incentives vary utility by utility but are widely available throughout Maryland.
Why Start Your Maryland Geothermal Project Now?
Maryland’s incentive environment is unusually strong—but competitive. Many programs come with limited funding or upcoming deadlines. Early scoping allows organizations to:
- Strengthen competitiveness in ranked programs
- Maximize stackability across grants, RECs, ITCs, and utility incentives
- Reduce total project cost and improve project ROI
- Explore Your Geothermal Options
Interested in exploring what your facility qualifies for?
Submit an inquiry here: https://app.hubspot.com/forms/22641201/editor/1f97e7fe-26ed-40d9-b6cc-d53f832497f1/edit/form