Organizations in Maryland planning LED lighting upgrades have a unique opportunity to maximize available incentives through the Empower Maryland program. Delmarva Power and Pepco customers can now receive a 40% increase on qualifying prescriptive retrofit lighting incentives for projects that receive pre-approval and are completed and submitted for final application by December 13, 2026.
For facilities and energy teams evaluating lighting projects, this temporary increase comes at an important time, as incentive levels for many lighting measures are expected to decline beginning in 2027.
What Is Changing?
Effective June 17, 2026, qualifying prescriptive retrofit lighting measures are eligible for a 40% incentive increase. The bonus applies to eligible retrofit luminaires and lighting retrofit kits, including:
- Flat panels: $50 to $70
- Troffers: $75–$100 to $105–$140
- High bays: $200–$600 to $280–$840
- Exterior lighting: $150–$600 to $210–$840
- Retrofit kits: $15–$110 to $21–$154
- ENERGY STAR® downlights: $30–$100 to $42–$140
Program incentives remain capped at 100% of total project cost.
Which Lighting Measures Qualify for the 40% Bonus?
The 40% increase applies only to prescriptive retrofit luminaires and retrofit kits.
The following measures do not receive the increased incentive and remain at their current incentive levels:
- Lamps
- Lighting controls
- Instant Discounts program measures
- Wattage Reduction Method incentives
Reviewing project scope early can help determine which portions of a lighting upgrade are eligible for the temporary bonus.
Important Program Requirements
To qualify for the increased incentive, projects must meet several key requirements:
- Pre-approval is required before equipment is purchased or installation begins.
- Projects must be completed and submitted for final application by December 13, 2026.
Because applications require pre-approval and supporting documentation, organizations considering lighting upgrades may benefit from beginning the planning process well before the program deadline.
Why Is the Bonus Available Now?
The current incentive increase reflects the final year of the existing Empower Maryland three-year program cycle. According to the program update, future incentive structures are expected to change as energy efficiency baselines evolve from legacy lighting technologies toward first-generation LED systems.
As a result, many prescriptive lighting incentives are expected to be lower during the next program cycle beginning in 2027.
For organizations with aging fluorescent, HID, or other legacy lighting systems still in service, the current program provides an opportunity to complete qualifying retrofit projects while enhanced incentive levels remain available.
Program requirements and incentive levels may change over time, so it’s important to verify current program guidance before beginning a project.
