Guest Blog: “Resource Adequacy: How Utilities Support Economic Growth and Sustainability in an Electrifying Era” Panel Recap

By Renee M. Harris, Business & Economic Development Coordinator, City of Hyattsville  | May 8, 2025

This blog was written by: Renee M. Harris, Business & Economic Development Coordinator, City of Hyattsville 

Session: “Resource Adequacy: How Utilities Support Economic Growth and Sustainability in an Electrifying Era”

Panelists included:

  • Alex Núñez – SVP, Governmental, Regulatory & External Affairs, Baltimore Gas & Electric
  • George Anas – Director of External Affairs, Berkshire Hathaway Energy GT&S
  • Jason Schwartzberg – President & Co-Founder, MD Energy Advisors, LLC
  • Michael Richard – Commissioner, MD Public Service Commission
  • Jerry Sanford (Moderator) – Managing Director, Business & Economic Development, The Harbor Bank of Maryland

There was a buzz in the room filled with almost 100 industry people excited to hear how utilities support economic growth and sustainability in our communities. So, Jerry Sanford of The Harbor Bank of Maryland didn’t delay the conversation, he jumped in headfirst with thought-provoking questions that stirred the panelist. The overarching theme for me was understanding the importance of bridging the gap between economic developers and utility companies. And we’re talking about ALL aspects of energy. This thought may come naturally for some, but listening to the conversation, it’s not considered enough. I’m one year in this industry and after sitting in that room and hearing the panelist’s responses, the light bulb surely came on for me.

So much time and money could potentially be saved, whether at the beginning of the project or over time, when economic developers and utility companies come together for planning. There are grant and funding programs available for companies to consider. The Smart Energy Economic Development program or SEED, will allow qualifying businesses to invest more of their resources in their operations by reducing BGE’s charges for service extensions and temporarily decreasing energy distribution charges. The state is committed to driving economic development and this program is just one way of doing that.

In the end, partnerships and understanding one another are key. As the development plans are being laid out, investing in infrastructure for the right energy resource is critical. Building a reliable and sustainable future goes a long way for the economy and the community. This all works to build the ‘One Maryland, One Love’ that MEDA Board President Tammi Thomas sees for our future.

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