Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) Energy Rebates
Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) is the largest utility in Maryland, serving approximately 1.3 million electric customers and over 680,000 gas customers in central Maryland, including the city of Baltimore and surrounding counties. BGE administers the EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency programs, which provide some of the most generous utility rebates in the Mid-Atlantic region, including significant incentives for heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, and smart thermostats. Maryland's commitment to energy efficiency through the EmPOWER initiative means BGE customers have access to substantial financial support for making their homes more energy efficient. See all Maryland energy rebates for the complete list of state and federal incentives.
Service area: Central Maryland including the City of Baltimore, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Harford County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Prince George's County (partial), and surrounding areas — approximately 1.3 million electric and 680,000 gas customer accounts
BGE EmPOWER Maryland Residential Rebates
BGE's EmPOWER Maryland program provides substantial rebates for residential energy efficiency improvements. Maryland has one of the strongest utility-funded energy efficiency programs in the country, and BGE customers benefit from generous rebates on heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, insulation, and smart home technology. The program is designed to help Maryland meet its ambitious energy reduction goals while saving homeowners money on their monthly utility bills.
| Equipment | Rebate Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Air Source Heat Pump (ducted) | $1,000–$2,000 | Rebate amount depends on efficiency rating. Systems must meet ENERGY STAR specifications with SEER2 16+ and HSPF2 9+. Higher-tier rebates for cold climate heat pumps. Professional installation by a licensed HVAC contractor required. |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | $600 | Must be an ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heater with a Uniform Energy Factor (UEF) of 3.3 or higher. Must replace an existing electric resistance water heater. |
| Smart Thermostat | $100 | ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat. One rebate per residential account. Self-installation is eligible. Must be connected to Wi-Fi and capable of remote scheduling. |
| Attic and Wall Insulation | Up to $2,000 | Covers professional installation of attic insulation (to R-49+) and wall insulation. A pre-installation assessment through BGE's Quick Home Energy Check-up is recommended. Rebate covers up to 50% of insulation costs. |
| Ductless Mini-Split Heat Pump | $500–$1,500 | For qualifying ductless mini-split heat pump systems. Rebate amount varies by number of indoor heads and efficiency rating. Must be ENERGY STAR certified. |
BGE Quick Home Energy Check-Up
BGE's Quick Home Energy Check-Up (QHEC) is a discounted home energy assessment performed by a certified energy specialist. During the visit, the specialist evaluates your home's insulation, HVAC systems, air leakage, and appliances. Participants receive direct-install energy-saving products and a detailed report with prioritized improvement recommendations. The QHEC is one of the best starting points for homeowners planning to apply for BGE rebates.
| Equipment | Rebate Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Home Energy Check-Up | $100 (reduced from $400+) | Comprehensive home energy assessment at a deeply discounted price. Includes blower door test, thermal imaging, and HVAC inspection. |
| Direct-Install Products (with QHEC) | Free | LED bulbs, faucet aerators, low-flow showerheads, smart power strips, and pipe insulation installed during the visit at no additional cost. |
How to Apply for Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) Rebates
BGE makes it straightforward for customers to access EmPOWER Maryland rebates. Follow these steps:
- Start with a Quick Home Energy Check-Up: Schedule a BGE Quick Home Energy Check-Up to get a professional assessment of your home's energy performance. This step is recommended before making major improvements and may be required for some rebate programs. The cost is approximately $100.
- Review Qualifying Equipment: Visit bge.com/save to see the full list of qualifying equipment, efficiency requirements, and current rebate amounts. EmPOWER Maryland rebates can change annually, so check the latest offerings.
- Select a Qualified Contractor: Choose a licensed contractor to perform the installation. BGE maintains a list of participating contractors who are familiar with EmPOWER program requirements.
- Complete the Installation: Have the qualifying equipment installed and collect all documentation including contractor invoices, equipment specification sheets, and AHRI certificates for HVAC equipment.
- Submit Your Rebate Application: Apply online through BGE's website or the EmPOWER Maryland portal. Upload required documentation and your BGE account information.
- Receive Your Incentive: Approved rebates are typically issued within 6-8 weeks as a check or bill credit. BGE will notify you by email when your application is processed.
Stacking with Federal Rebates
Utility rebates from Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE) can typically be combined with HOMES and HEAR federal rebates (if available in your state). This means you could potentially receive both a utility rebate and a federal rebate for the same improvement. Use our calculator to estimate your total savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is EmPOWER Maryland and how does it relate to BGE rebates?
EmPOWER Maryland is a statewide energy efficiency initiative established by the Maryland legislature. It requires the state's major utilities, including BGE, to administer energy efficiency programs funded through a small surcharge on customer bills. This means BGE's residential rebates are part of a larger state-mandated effort to reduce energy consumption, and the programs tend to be well-funded with generous rebate amounts compared to many other states.
Are BGE heat pump rebates available for both new installations and replacements?
BGE's heat pump rebates are primarily designed for replacing existing heating and cooling systems with more efficient heat pump technology. Both replacing an old AC/furnace combination with a ducted heat pump and adding a ductless mini-split to supplement existing heating qualify. New construction may have different incentive paths — check BGE's website for builder-specific programs.
Can I stack BGE utility rebates with Maryland state rebates and federal tax credits?
Yes, in most cases you can combine BGE EmPOWER rebates with federal tax credits (such as the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit or the 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit) and with any additional Maryland state incentive programs. This stacking can significantly reduce the total out-of-pocket cost for major energy efficiency upgrades like heat pumps.
How much does the BGE Quick Home Energy Check-Up cost and is it worth it?
The Quick Home Energy Check-Up costs approximately $100 for BGE customers, a significant discount from the typical $400+ cost of a professional energy audit. The assessment includes a blower door test, thermal imaging, HVAC inspection, and free installation of LED bulbs, aerators, and other small items. Most homeowners find it well worth the investment because the report identifies the highest-impact improvements and helps prioritize spending on rebate-eligible upgrades.