Drew Schiavone is the Energy Conservation and Technology Specialist for University of Maryland Extension. He designs and runs outreach programs for homeowners on energy conservation, clean energy and renewables. In addition, he conducts workforce development training to help industry members understand and navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape.
What can people do right now to reduce their energy costs?
I think the most common question I get from people is about renewable energy or putting solar on the roof. I typically have to back up and focus on the conservation side first because that’s your best return on investment. It usually starts with behavioral changes. Setting your thermostat back and managing your heating and cooling systems in the summer and winter is important. That’s your biggest energy expense. It doesn’t cost you anything to make those adjustments on your thermostat, but it saves you money right away.
What energy-saving measures do people commonly overlook?
I do think there’s a preoccupation with renewables as the thing that’s going to save people money, and you can’t just go right to a technology like solar without doing those energy conservation steps, like adjusting your thermostat and insulating up front. The system will be much bigger than you anticipate because you haven't cut back your energy use yet. Conservation provides benefits right away. You’re going to start seeing savings on that bill immediately.
Does choosing renewable electricity from wind or solar on your utility actually make a difference?
If you opt for renewables, you can’t track the actual electrons and where they came from. It’s renewable in the sense that providers are required to supply a certain amount of renewable energy.
It’s a state-regulated system with the power company, and all of that is tracked through the state. I do want to emphasize being wary of third-party green power providers. Some of the financial terms in those contracts might not work out as favorably as you might think initially. Going through the utility is more secure in that sense.
How does the state of Maryland compare with other states across the country in terms of its approach to energy?
It’s not as progressive as some, but it depends on the technology and the program you’re looking at. Our community solar program that we piloted has become permanent, and it’s opened up a whole other avenue for renewable energy to help low-and moderate-income households that otherwise wouldn't have access to it.
You also work with farmers on cutting costs and assessing renewable energy, and there is a lot of discussion around agrivoltaics. What are the challenges in that area?
I think the biggest hurdle is that farmers and others want to see a proven concept before they invest in it or implement it. That’s really the role we’re taking. We’re doing two projects, one on the Eastern Shore and another in Washington County. We’ll be doing research on the crop production side and actually establishing small systems that can be tested and demonstrated.
