RESIDENTIAL: People who do set out to electrify their homes often find the process bewildering. Do you need to upgrade your panel? How big a heat pump do you need? Does your stove matter? It's difficult to know where to start, what to prioritize, how to assess contractors, and how to track down incentives and rebates. Look no further, Cora Wyent, Research Director for Rewiring America talks all about it on the Podcast, Volts, take a listen (or read) now.

COMMERCIAL: Now in its 11th year, the annual Montgomery County Energy Summit offers cutting-edge education focused on the latest trends in green building, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and related commercial, multifamily, and residential topics in Montgomery County. If you are a building owner, property manager, developer, energy contractor, and/or other sustainability professional working in Montgomery County and the larger DMV area - this is the event for you! 

This year, the summit will take place on April 15-16, 2024 at the Silver Spring Civic Building. Here is what to expect this year: 

Monday, April 15, 2024 from 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM  

• Tailored for building owners, managers, and facilities staff. 
• Six stations explore energy benchmarking and performance requirements as well as incentives and support for commercial buildings. 
• Subject matter experts provide hands-on energy benchmarking support. 
• Energy audit demonstrations throughout the day. 

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 from 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM 

• Designed for building and energy professionals and consultants. 
• Discussions about county energy regulations and compliance strategies. 
• Learning sessions highlight case studies from commercial and multifamily buildings. 
• Energy audit demonstrations throughout the day.  
• Networking event and reception from 3:30-5:30 p.m. 

COUNTY: Young women currently in 10th or 11th grade (class of 2025 and 2026) are invited to apply for the 2024 Exelon Foundation STEM Academy. The Exelon Foundation STEM Academy is a free, week-long in-person event. Learn from women working in STEM and business leaders. Visit energy facilities. Explore sustainability, energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate change. Connect with like-minded peers.

Baltimore: July 21 – 26, 2024 University of Maryland, Baltimore County DETAILS & REGISTRATION

Washington DC: July 28 – August 2, 2024 University of Maryland, College Park DETAILS & REGISTRATION

NON-PROFITS/CONDO ASSOCIATIONS: The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Office of Grants Management (OGM) are soliciting grant applications from eligible nonprofits and condominium associations for the County’s FY 2024 Healthy, Efficient, Electrified, Climate-Adapted Pilot (HEECAP) Homes Grants Program, which aims to retrofit income-eligible houses for energy efficiency, a healthy indoor environment, climate resilience and all-electric appliances.

A total of $1,500,000 will be made available to fund awards to eligible nonprofits between $300,000 and $1,500,000 for 12, 18, or 24 months. DEP and OGM will hold a virtual Information Session on the date indicated below to give eligible and interested applicants the chance to ask questions about the solicitation and receive guidance on how to complete the application. Click to download the full Notice of Funding Opportunity.

WORKFORCE: WorkSource Montgomery (WSM) is the county’s fiscal agent responsible for the local workforce development system in the County. WSM connects jobseekers to employers and vice versa. Whether a business is large or small, their team of qualified business solutions representatives and partners are committed to your success. They work to close the gap between high-demand career opportunities and strong qualified talent. WSM provides Montgomery County employers with a robust set of business services and programs – from apprenticeship and intern opportunities to business grants and subsidies – to help meet the talent needs of today and tomorrow. For more information on their business solutions, visit their website. Sign up for their newsletter and news alerts for up-to-date info on our upcoming events and new programs/services. And be sure to follow them on their social channels!

Also, mark your calendar for the Fair Chance Employment Symposium on
April 3, 2024, from 2pm-5pm at Veterans Plaza Downtown Silver Spring

Illuminations Stations are information tables that provide an opportunity to shine a light on ways for people to lower their utility bills, apply for energy assistance, and receive items to help them keep money in their pockets! Visit the library to get more information about energy programs and more!

You also can bring your old incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs to swap them for new energy efficient LED light bulbs. You can bring us as many lightbulbs as you want but there is a limit to 3 LEDs per person. Please note we only provide standard 60 W equivalent LED bulbs that are 2700K meaning they are warm lightbulbs. If you would like to swap out more bulbs, we encourage you to schedule a Quick Home Energy Checkup with your utility company.

This program is in collaboration with Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Montgomery County Public Libraries and Pepco.

CHECK OUT WHERE WE ARE HERE!