☀ 41 Days left for the Capital Area Solar Co-op - have you joined yet? ☀

Power line header

This monthly newsletter is a way to distribute and transmit all things energy-related to our community.

Montgomery Energy Connection is a network of County Government and community partners. Created to provide customized education on the benefits of energy efficiency, availability of programs, and opportunities for assistance.

Wednesday, July 20, 2022 | Montgomery Energy Connection


countdown

The Co-op Countdown is On!

RESIDENTIAL: As of today, the Capital Area Solar Co-op will close in 41 days - don't let this opportunity pass you by. By joining the #CapitalAreaSolarCoop, you will join neighbors in DC, Maryland, and Virginia in the quest to lower your energy costs, become energy independent, and participate in the renewable revolution. Solar co-ops are member driven and free to join. You are never charged by Solar United Neighbors for participating in a solar co-op. 

Wine and Shine Happy Hour at Black Ankle Farms
Friday, August 12, 6 p.m. 
Maryland Info Session
Thursday, August 18, 12 p.m.
 
Virginia Info Session
Tuesday, August 23, 12 p.m. 


Ships Ahoy! Catch the Energy Express Before it's too late!

energy express

COUNTY: Set sail on a treasure hunt towards energy savings with this year’s Summer Reading theme, “Oceans of Possibilities.” On board, our young crewmates will explore different energy sources and make smart decisions to power our ship (and our homes). Our adventures are led by high school students from the P.O.W.E.R (Peer Outreach With Energy Resources) program who have worked all year to prepare this interactive energy story, hear first hand from one student, Alexander about the experience.


Beware of Higher Energy Costs

energy bills

RESIDENTIAL: Maryland Office of People’s Counsel recently released information on their website about the increase in energy costs and we wanted to make sure that you were aware of what will be happening this summer. If you have standard offer service (or “SOS”), which utilities provide to customers who have not chosen a competitive electricity supplier (known as a “retail supplier”), the price most of you will pay for electricity this summer was approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission based on wholesale supply contracts procured some time ago, prior to the recent spike in energy prices.

BGE and Pepco are therefore scheduled to slightly reduce its charge to standard offer service customers for each kilowatt hour of electricity beginning June 1, 2022. Potomac Edison’s standard offer service rates will increase slightly. 

If you obtain natural gas through your utility—such as BGE or Washington Gas—changes in natural gas market prices still will impact you if you use gas for cooking or water heating, as the utility generally passes through to you its costs for buying the gas commodity. 

If you have chosen a retail supplier for electricity or natural gas, pay close attention to what the price is and consider locking in a rate now. For more information on retail supplier charges, see OPC’s message on shopping for gas and electricity.


Go Solar with Ampion - No Roof Required!

solar array

RESIDENTIAL: Have you heard about the new solar projects on the WMATA stations at the Naylor, Southern Ave, Cheverly, and Anacostia Metro stations? Residents in Montgomery (Pepco service territory) can sign up for shares of the clean energy produced by these solar farms! If you’re looking to go greener, support local clean energy AND save on your electric bills, Community Solar is the perfect place to start. Community Solar with Ampion lets you support the generation of clean solar energy at no additional cost – no rooftop required!


Make a Difference with Community Solar at Paddington Square

Share Power

RESIDENTIAL: Right now, 1 in 6 Montgomery County residents have trouble paying their electricity bill. Meanwhile, the impact of rising fuel prices and pollution continue to hit hardest in communities (near and far) who are least equipped to handle these shifts. There is a way to help, if you are a Pepco customer, you can subscribe to SharePower today. The SharePower model allows folks who care about their community and the environment to subscribe to clean energy AND improve clean energy access for their neighbors. Click here to join the Paddington Square project today!  


Live in a Zero-Energy Home?

Net Zero

RESIDENTIAL: Our partners at the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) are seeking input from residents of zero-energy homes and apartments in an online survey. The survey examines residents' satisfaction with zero energy/passive homes. It asks your opinions on various features of the home, how you found out about these types of homes, what made you decide to rent/purchase the home, and occupant behavior questions. In addition to helping a fantastic organization, all participants will also be entered into a raffle to win a $200 Visa gift card. So if you live in a Phius or other zero-energy home, or know someone who does, be sure to take the survey or pass it along.


Maryland EV charging rebates got new funding starting July 1

EV

RESIDENTIAL: After giving out all its available funding for EV charging rebates in Fiscal Year 2022, the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) will have new funding for residential and commercial EV supply equipment (EVSE) beginning July 1, 2022. Check MEA’s website for updates for instructions on how to apply.



Job Board

Current Jobs

The My Green Montgomery Green Jobs Board will help you find green jobs in our region. We post jobs for free that are green jobs (focused on energy, sustainability, water, trees, community greening, environmental education) and are based in the Montgomery County, DC, or Baltimore regions.

We pre-approve each job before posting, but we do not guarantee the length of time jobs will be posted. To look for new job opportunities, click here.


upcoming events

Watts Up?

Here is a list of events where we will be hosting tables and events throughout the County.

Energy Express -Davis Library
Thursday, July 21 @ 11AM

💡 Lighten Up! Light Bulb Exchange
Thursday, July 21 from 5:00 - 8:00 PM

Lighting and Smart Bulbs
Friday, July 22 @ 12 PM

💡 Lighten Up! Light Bulb Exchange
Saturday, July 23 from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Clarksburg Condominium II EV Charging Ribbon Cutting & Ice Cream Social!
Saturday, July 23 from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Energy Express - Rockville Library 
Tuesday, July 26 @ 11AM

Energy Express - Twinbrook Library
Tuesday, July 26 @ 2PM

Energy Express - Maggie Nightingale Library
Thursday, July 28 @ 2PM

Stop Losing Money on Your Utility Bill
Friday, July 29 @ 12 PM 

Energy Express - Noyes Library
Tuesday, August 2 @ 11AM

Energy Express - Little Falls Library 
Tuesday, August 2 @ 2PM

Energy Express - Kensington Park Library
Thursday, August 4 @ 11AM

Energy Express - Wheaton Library
Thursday, August 4 @ 2PM

☀ Capital Area Solar Co-op: Wine and Shine Happy Hour
Black Ankle Farms
Friday, August 12 @ 6PM

☀ Capital Area Solar Co-op:Maryland Info Session
Thursday, August 18 @ 12PM

☀ Capital Area Solar Co-op: Virginia Info Session
Tuesday, August 23 @12 PM