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Wednesday, January 25, 2023 | Montgomery Energy Connection
Check out the infographic above to see what we have accomplished since 2017. Montgomery Energy Connection was created to be residents' link to energy savings and to help the County reach its goal to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035. In five years and with over fifty partners (and counting), we have been able to provide in person and virtual presentations, Home Comfort Kits, and LEDs galore. Not to mention that amount of money that has been saved as a result of this program - $1.7 million dollars in energy savings alone!
RESIDENTIAL: Guest Blogger Bret Martinez is the HVAC wizard of words, in this blog he demystifies the inner workings of your heating and cooling units, from fresh installations to budget-friendly maintenance. Find out preventative measures you should be taking to help keep your HVAC cost down!
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RESIDENTIAL: Another FeBREWary is upon us and we plan to keep the momentum going to help all Montgomery County residents Electrify Everything. This year, we will be doing things just a little differently for FeBREWary. This year, we want you to celebrate, electrify, and help you keep money in your pockets. Find out what we mean by visiting our blog!
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RESIDENTIAL: PROGRAM CHANGE! Potomac Edison’s Appliance Recycling Program is now picking up dehumidifiers without another qualifying appliance. Receive $100 when you recycle your working fridge or freezer with Potomac Edison’s Appliance Recycling Program. Receive $35 when you recycle a working air conditioner, dehumidifier, or mini fridge. Program information can be found on their website: energysaveMD.com/fridge
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OPPORTUNITY: The Pre-Apprenticeship Electrical Program is a 10-week course that gives insight on a full electrical apprenticeship path. In partnership with Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake (IECC), the Pre-Apprenticeship Electrical program is designed to prepare students to enter and succeed in a Registered Electrical Apprenticeship program. Ready to Learn More? For more information, please email workforcetraining@howardcc.edu. WorkSource Montgomery can provide assistance to Montgomery County residents.
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RESIDENTIAL: Frigid temperatures can cause frozen and bursting pipes. Since water expands when it freezes, metal and plastic pipes are at risk of breaking in the freezing temperatures. Here are some tips from the Red Cross on keeping your pipes – and home – safe during the deep freeze of winter. Pipes that freeze most frequently are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines. Another reason pipes is because they are in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Also note that pipes that run against exterior walls may have little or no insulation, learn more on the Red Cross website.
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COUNTY: The Montgomery County Green Bank, a publicly chartered 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, is dedicated to accelerating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy investment in the County. They are looking for people dedicated to providing more affordable and flexible financing options to residents. If you or someone you know is interested in joining the eleven-member Board of Directors, the deadline to apply is 5:00 pm on January 31, 2023.
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RESIDENTIAL: Have you ever looked at your gas and electric bill and noticed a surcharge for EmPOWER Maryland? This charge funds programs which are administered through your utility to help you reduce your energy consumption and save you money. This program funds lighting, home energy assessments, and rebates for things like insulation, appliances, and air sealing
When you schedule a Quick Home Energy Checkup (QHEC), there is NO ADDITIONAL COST to homeowners or tenants who pay their utility bill. The appointment takes about 45-60 minutes to complete and a contractor will install energy efficient products for you such as: LED light bulbs, high efficiency showerheads, advanced power strips, and more. Schedule one today:
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RESIDENTIAL: Rewiring America is an amazing resource and has broken down the difference between rebates and credits. These two are grouped together a lot, but often have different timelines/deadlines. It’s confusing. Rest assured, Rewiring America is here to help us all navigate through all of these programs! And don't forget that we have a Homeowners’ Guide to the Inflation Reduction Act.
TAX CREDITS. Here is a one-stop-shop list of 2023 tax credits that are active right now. They'll keep this list updated throughout the year.
REBATES/UPFRONT DISCOUNTS. Take a gander at these beauties under household electrification incentives. They expect these to be ready throughout the year.
The My Green Montgomery Green Jobs Board will help you find green jobs in our region. We post jobs for free that are are green jobs (focused on energy, sustainability, water, trees, community greening, environmental ed, etc.) and based in the DC or Baltimore regions. Jobs in Montgomery County or easy for our residents to commute to work! 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.
Montgomery County DEP opened recruitment for two positions on our growing Building Energy Performance Standards team. Job descriptions are available below. Both positions are open through February 3. Please consider applying and sharing with your networks.
Energy is all around us and there is a lot happening in the world. We have compiled some interesting stories and articles to share with you. These stories will LINK you to what energy stories are happening in the world.
Electric Cars: Maryland General Assembly to consider ways to entice you — and your neighbor — to buy electric cars, www.wypr.org
Gas to Electric: First hand story of someone who made the switch from gas to electric cooking and why they love their new induction stove, www.eesi.org
Gas Stoves: Study finds that gas stove pollution causes roughly 12.7% of childhood asthma in the United States, www.washingtonpost.com
Green Jobs: Green jobs are booming, but people aren’t gaining sustainability experience at the same pace, here are 4 ways to boost your skills and get hired, www.fastcompany.com
Incandescent Bulb: In December, the US Department of Energy, proposed stronger efficiency standards for light bulbs that will effectively phase out compact fluorescent light bulbs and what remnants of incandescent bulbs still remain, replacing them with more energy efficient LEDs, www.greenbuildinglawupdate.com
Manufacturing: South Korean solar energy company Qcells on Wednesday will invest $2.5 billion to expand its manufacturing capacity in the United States, creating as many as 2,500 jobs in Georgia, www.reuters.com
Offshore Wind: The U.S. Department of the Interior proposed updating its rules for offshore wind development, a move that the agency said could save developers some $1 billion over a 20-year period, www.renewableenergyworld.com
Looking for fun activities for your kids? Or how about a new wildlife documentary film screening? Or maybe, a workshop on gardening or bike repair?
My Green Montgomery's Community Calendar features upcoming community events for those who enjoy a mix of outdoors, activism, creativity, and learning. Make the My Green Montgomery calendar your first stop to planning your week.
Explore our programs or come to one of our upcoming events to learn more. Any event with a 💡 means that it will be a Light Bulb Exchange.
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