Vol76-8 August 2026
Member newsletter for Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative
Students head to the nation’s capital for annual Youth Tour
In June, four high school students from SMECO’s service area represented the cooperative at the annual Youth Tour. The students toured the National Mall, visited monuments and memorials, and met with members of Congress and legislative aides on Capitol Hill.
SMECO’s 2026 scholarship winners
SMECO has awarded four scholarships for 2026 to high school seniors who live in the cooperative’s service area. Recipients receive awards based on scholastic achievement, financial need, and school and community involvement.
Invest in your future and save
The EmPOWER Maryland charge funds programs that can help you reduce your energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and save you money. Since the inception of the EmPOWER Maryland program in 2008, the programs have saved $14.5 billion on installed measures at a cost of $4.1 billion. In addition to new program costs, this charge includes paying off the uncollected costs that were accrued over time by programs required by the EmPOWER statute and authorized by the Maryland Public Service Commission. In accordance with House Bill 864, the uncollected amounts will be fully paid by the end of 2032.
For more information, including how to participate in these valuable programs, use the button below to visit our website.
Portable solar introduced in Maryland
The Maryland Utility RELIEF Act (HB1532) was passed in April and went into effect on July 1. Residents can now legally install plug-in “balcony” or portable solar systems. These systems are limited to 1,200 watts per residential meter, they plug directly into standard household outlets to help offset household energy usage, and they are exempt from standard net-metering and interconnection fees.
Building tune-up
Efficiency of all kinds benefits Southern Maryland and the businesses that call it home. When energy is used efficiently, those savings can be reinvested back into the community.
SMECO’s Building Tune-up Program, offered through EmPOWER Maryland, functions as an energy efficiency check up for commercial buildings.
Standard Offer Service rate update
Total residential Standard Offer Service (SOS) rate for July: $0.122017 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
- Summer Residential Energy Charge: $0.1057 per kWh
- July Residential PCA: $0.016317 per kWh
SMECO’s PCA for July was 15.43% more than the current residential base SOS rate.
Community Calendar
Find out about upcoming events in Southern Maryland.
