DECEMBER 15

Crownsville, MD – Governor O’Malley’s settlement agreement in the proposed merger between Constellation Energy Group and Exelon Corp. includes $50 million for DHCD’s Weatherization Assistance Program – enabling the agency to continue to improve the energy efficiency of an additional 12,000 low- to moderate- income homes in BGE’s service area for the next four years.

The very successful weatherization program had been scheduled to wind down over the next six months as Recovery Act funds expire. Since July 2009, it has helped more than 9,000 households statewide become more energy efficient, safe and healthy; it is helping low income families save money; it is creating jobs; and it is helping Maryland build the green economy that is so important to our quality of life and the quality of life of our children.

The Department of Energy has estimated that each household retrofitted through the program will save on average $350 a year on their energy bills – this is money those families can use on other essential expenses, such as school supplies or health care or transportation.

The settlement was filed with the Public Service Commission on Dec. 15 and the regulatory panel is expected to make a decision by Jan. 5.