The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) has officially opened applications for the Fiscal Year 2025 Commercial, Industrial & Agricultural Grant Program (CI&A FY25 Program). This grant program is designed to support energy efficiency improvements and projects that exceed current codes or standards in Maryland-based facilities. Eligible recipients include commercial and industrial property owners, data centers, nonprofits, farms, and other agricultural entities. Both new construction projects and existing facility upgrades are eligible for funding.

The FY25 CI&A Program operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and grant awards are determined based on the quality of documentation and the energy-saving and environmental benefits of the proposed project. The program provides partial funding for project costs, with applicants expected to cover the remaining expenses either out-of-pocket or through additional financing, such as the Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program. Applicants interested in Lawton loans are encouraged to submit both applications simultaneously.

Applications will be accepted until Friday, February 14, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST, or until the program's funding is fully allocated. Early submissions are strongly recommended to maximize chances of securing funding. The total anticipated program budget for FY25 is $3.1 million, divided into four Areas of Interest (AOIs):

AOI.1: Existing Facilities (Non-Agricultural): Includes commercial, office, retail, hospitality, institutional, multifamily residential (5+ units), research, laboratories, data centers, and private educational facilities.
AOI.2: New Construction (Non-Agricultural): Covers commercial, industrial, and institutional new builds, major rehabilitations, or repurposed structures.
AOI.3: Agricultural: Focuses on energy-related systems supporting production from pasture or tilled land, consistent with NAICS Code 11, for stationary facilities not served by residential utility meters.
AOI.4: Combined Heat & Power (CHP): Targets systems providing high-grade industrial heat for manufacturing, data centers, or other critical loads.
Eligible applicants include registered businesses, nonprofits, private educational institutions, and agricultural entities engaged in manufacturing, industrial production, data center operations, multifamily housing (5+ units), or agricultural activities.

Comprehensive program information, including the Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), application forms, and scoring templates, is available online. The MEA also provides general provisions for grant agreements and additional funding resources through the Jane E. Lawton Conservation Loan Program.

For questions or assistance, applicants can contact Christopher Russell, Program Manager, at (443) 908-1767, or Gus Norrbom, Energy Specialist, at (410) 536-3093. Alternatively, inquiries can be sent via email to ci.mea@maryland.gov. This program offers a significant opportunity to reduce energy usage and environmental impact while supporting Maryland businesses and agricultural operations. Early participation is encouraged to secure funding.