<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?>
<section article="gpu" article_name="Public Utilities" number="7-221" title_number="7" title_name="Gas, Electric, and Water Companies" subtitle_number="2" subtitle_name="Electric Generation Facility Planning">
  <text>The General Assembly finds and declares that energy efficiency is:</text>
  <level label="1">
    <text>among the least expensive ways to meet the energy demands of the State;</text>
  </level>
  <level label="2">
    <text>a means of affordable, reliable, and clean energy for consumers of Maryland; and</text>
  </level>
  <level label="3">
    <text>one method to achieve Maryland’s climate commitments for reducing statewide greenhouse gas emissions, including those required under Title 2, Subtitle 12 of the Environment Article.</text>
  </level>
</section>
