Potomac Edison Launches $11.1M Electric School Bus Pilot

Program covers cost premiums, charging infrastructure, and vehicle-to-grid testing in Maryland

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp., 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 program will cover the cost differential between diesel and electric buses, fund charging infrastructure, and test vehicle-to-grid technology across Potomac Edison's Maryland service territory.

Why it matters

Maryland's Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022 requires public school systems to purchase or contract only zero-emission vehicles going forward. Potomac Edison's pilot program addresses the financial barriers that stand between school districts and compliance with that mandate, making the transition to electric buses more practical and affordable.

The details

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.

  • Potomac Edison's $11.1 million pilot program is expected to launch in early 2026.
  • The program will run for five years or until the allocated funds have been exhausted.

The players

Potomac Edison

A subsidiary of FirstEnergy Corp. that provides electric service to approximately 285,000 customers across Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, Montgomery, and Washington counties in Maryland.

Maryland Public Service Commission

The state regulatory agency that has approved Potomac Edison's $11.1 million electric school bus pilot program.

Maryland's Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022

A state law that requires public school systems to purchase or contract only zero-emission vehicles going forward.

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What they’re saying

“The program is designed to make the transition practical and affordable while reducing upfront costs for school systems integrating electric buses.”

— Jim Myers, President of West Virginia and Maryland, FirstEnergy

What’s next

Potomac Edison will work with participating school districts to identify optimal charging locations, manage equipment installation, and provide training on vehicle operation and charging procedures.

The takeaway

Potomac Edison's electric school bus pilot program demonstrates how utilities can play a key role in supporting the transition to zero-emission transportation, addressing both the financial and operational barriers that school districts face in adopting electric buses.