The Havre de Grace City Council passed two energy consumption resolutions at its meeting Tuesday to meet requirements of being a Maryland Smart Energy Community.

The first bill would increase renewable energy generation within the city, and the second would reduce the city’s electricity consumption. According to a statement from the city’s director of economic development and tourism, Bridgette Johnson, in order to enroll in the Maryland Energy Administration-administered program, the state requires the city to commit to reducing per-square-foot electricity consumption by 15% and increasing renewable energy by 20% within five years.

To meet these regulations as Maryland Smart Energy Community members, the city would convert the lights in municipal buildings, as well as outdoor lights, to LEDs. For recently constructed city parking lots, off-grid solar street lighting would be a priority for the city. The updates would be covered by a grant from the Maryland Energy Administration, Johnson said.

The city applied to become a Maryland Smart Energy Community in November 2021, and was approved by the MEA in April.