Potomac Edison has received approval from the Maryland Public Service Commission to launch an $11.1 million pilot program supporting local school districts in transitioning to zero-emission electric school buses. The subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. will cover cost differentials between diesel and electric buses, fund charging infrastructure, and test vehicle-to-grid technology across its Maryland service territory.
Highlights
- Potomac Edison will subsidize the roughly $250,000 price gap between diesel and electric school buses and cover charging equipment and electrical upgrade costs.
- The program supports up to 28 electric school buses across seven Maryland counties, with a five-year timeline or until funds are exhausted.
- Vehicle-to-grid testing will explore how stored energy in idle bus batteries can flow back to the grid during emergencies to support reliability.
- Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 requires public school systems to purchase or contract only zero-emission vehicles going forward.
Meeting Maryland’s Zero-Emission Mandate
Maryland’s Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 set a clear directive for public school systems. All future vehicle purchases or contracts must involve zero-emission options. Potomac Edison’s pilot program addresses the financial barriers that stand between school districts and compliance with that mandate.
The company will absorb the upfront cost premium associated with electric buses. That premium currently runs about $250,000 per vehicle compared to diesel equivalents. Potomac Edison will also fund charging equipment and any necessary electrical infrastructure upgrades at school facilities.
Technical and Operational Support
Beyond financial incentives, the program provides comprehensive hands-on assistance to participating school districts. Potomac Edison will help school systems identify optimal charging locations and manage equipment installation. The company will also provide training for personnel on vehicle operation and charging procedures.
Jim Myers, FirstEnergy’s President of West Virginia and Maryland, said the program is designed to make the transition practical and affordable while reducing upfront costs for school systems integrating electric buses.
Vehicle-to-Grid Technology Testing
A key component of the pilot involves vehicle-to-grid technology. Potomac Edison will test how energy stored in bus batteries can be discharged back to the grid when buses are not in use. This bidirectional energy flow could prove valuable during grid emergencies, potentially supporting reliability for customers across the utility’s service area.
Service Area and Timeline
The program is expected to launch in early 2026. Potomac Edison serves approximately 285,000 customers across Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington counties in Maryland. The pilot will run for five years or until the $11.1 million in allocated funds has been exhausted.
For more information, visit www.potomacedison.com.
Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
