None of Maryland's public utilities, including Baltimore Gas and Electric Co., is on track to meet state goals to cut energy usage, according to a report from a lobbying group.

BGE is expected to hit 52 percent of a goal set by a 2008 law known as Empower Maryland in 2011, a study from the Maryland Public Interest Research Group said.

In 2009, the utility made it 35 percent of the way to its goal . BGE officials said that was because they got a slow start rolling out programs designed to encourage homes and businesses to make energy-efficient improvements. Incentives include rebates on efficient appliances for homes or efficient lighting systems for businesses.

To form its report, Maryland PIRG looked at all of the energy-efficiency incentive programs utilities were required to present to the Public Service Commission for approval. In those reports, utilities had to detail the potential energy reduction of each program.

The group's study estimates assume what energy reduction could be accomplished if all the programs were fully implemented. Empower Maryland calls for statewide power consumption to fall by 15 percent below 2007 levels by 2015.

Maryland PIRG Director Johanna Neumann said that while the utilities have fallen short so far, that doesn't necessarily predict that they will miss the energy savings goal.

"The programs could deliver more in 2010 if they really ramp up," she said.

Read article at Baltimore Business Journal web site