#United States #Electric Buses #Potomac Edison #Williamsport #Maryland schools

Potomac Edison Initiative for Electric Bus Transition

Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., has received the green light from the Maryland Public Service Commission to launch a groundbreaking initiative aimed at facilitating the transition to cleaner, zero-emission school buses across the state. This pilot program is set to ease the financial burden on local school systems, making the shift to electric buses not only more achievable but also cost-effective.

Supporting Maryland’s Green Goals

As part of Maryland's commitment to sustainability, the Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 mandates that public school systems exclusively acquire zero-emission vehicles in the future. To support these ambitious environmental goals, Potomac Edison is stepping up to alleviate one of the primary obstacles school districts face: the financial implications of moving away from traditional diesel buses.

Potomac Edison will cover the substantial price difference, which can amount to approximately $250,000 per bus, between the costs of diesel and electric buses. Additionally, the utility will assist schools by providing necessary charging equipment and the electrical upgrades that accompany the installation of such systems.

According to Jim Myers, FirstEnergy’s President for West Virginia and Maryland, “Maryland's public schools are taking vital steps toward cleaner, healthier transportation for students. This program is designed to make that transition more practical and affordable. By reducing upfront costs and offering hands-on support, we aim to help school systems integrate electric buses smoothly.”

Highlights of the Program

This pilot program, with a budget of $11.1 million, is expected to kick off in early 2026. Some of its key features include:

• - Funding for 28 Electric School Buses: Potomac Edison will incentivize electric school bus adoption within its Maryland service territory.
• - Comprehensive Support: Full technical and administrative assistance will be provided to school systems in identifying charging locations, installing necessary infrastructure, and training personnel for the operation and charging of electric buses.
• - Innovative Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) Technology: This program will also incorporate V2G technology, allowing for the exploration of how energy stored in bus batteries could be sent back to the grid during periods of non-use, thus supporting overall grid reliability.

The program is structured to run for five years, or until the allocated funds are fully utilized, ensuring that schools can take full advantage of this invaluable support while transitioning towards a more sustainable future.

Potomac Edison serves approximately 285,000 customers across various counties in Maryland, including Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington. This initiative is one of several steps the utility company is taking to contribute to environmental stewardship and community welfare.

For ongoing updates and information on this program, you can follow Potomac Edison on their website www.potomacedison.com, on X @PotomacEdison, or on Facebook at facebook.com/PotomacEdison.

Conclusion

As Maryland schools navigate a pivotal shift toward electric buses, Potomac Edison’s pilot program not only represents a significant advancement in the fight against climate change but also underscores the critical support necessary for schools to thrive in an evolving energy landscape. This initiative is set to make a lasting impact on student transportation, air quality, and cost savings for educational institutions across the state.