Maryland Geothermal NON Residential Affidavit (Partners)

In 2012, Maryland became the first state in the country to make the energy generated by GHC technologies eligible for the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) as a Tier 1 renewable source (HB 1186). GHC system owners are also eligible for Renewable Energy Credits (RECs), equivalent to 1 MegaWatt-hour (MWh) of electricity.

About Non Residential Geothermal Applicants for Maryland's Renewable Energy Program

Starting January 1, 2023, a person can receive renewable energy credits for a non-residential geothermal heating and cooling system based on the amount of thermal energy saved by that system if the person: 1) Owns and operates the systems; 2) Leases and operates the systems; or 3) Contracts with a third party who owns and operates the systems.

According to Public Utilities Article § 7-704(h)(1), a non-residential geothermal heating and cooling system that was placed in service on or before December 31, 2022, is still eligible for RECs. In 2023, Maryland’s Renewable Portfolio Standard requires 31.9% from Tier 1 renewable generation, including residential and non-residential geothermal systems; at least 0.05% of that portion must be derived from post-2022 geothermal systems.

The Geothermal Non Residential Affidavit Explained

As part of the application process, non residential geothermal system owners will need to submit a Geothermal Non Residential Affidavit after filling out the Geothermal Intake Form with Carbon Solutions Group. 

Here's what you need as a partner installer. 

1. Proof the non-residential geothermal energy facility is installed:

1) At a commercial building; or
2) At multi-family housing units that qualified as low or moderate income housing on the date the system was installed on the property; or
3) At institutions that primarily serve low or moderate income individuals and families, including i) schools with a majority of students  who are eligible for free and reduced prices meals; ii) hospitals with a majority of patients eligible for financial assistance or who are  enrolled in Medicaid; and iii) other facilities that serve individuals and families where a majority of those is enrolled in Federal or State Safety Net Programs.

2. MES Compliance: A system with a 360,000 BTU capacity is eligible for geothermal renewable energy credits only if the Company installing the system provides for its employees:

• Family-sustaining wages;
• Employer-provided health care with affordable deductibles and co-pays;
• Career advancement training;
• Fair scheduling;
• Employer-paid workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance;
• A retirement plan;
• Paid time off; and
• The right to bargain collectively for wages and benefits

The applicant is required to submit an affidavit that describes the eligibility and provides all supporting documentation (e.g. paystubs) to prove the eligibility. Incomplete applications or missing documentation will cause delays in the processing of applications.

Deadlines

The deadline for submitting non-residential applications for each calendar year is Dec 31. If a system wishes to receive credit for energy saving in a particular year, it must submit a complete application by the deadline for that calendar year. If the applicant misses a deadline, the system will be deemed ineligible for credits. No back dated credits will be issued. The applicant will have to re-apply the following year.