RESIDENTIAL: Now in its sixth year, P.O.W.E.R is a collaboration between the Department of Environmental Protection and Nature Forward. Starting in November, MCPS high school students in the P.O.W.E.R program have learned about energy sources, conservation, and efficiency, and created a presentation for younger students and their families. This year, the students are taking participants on a completely carbon-free flight around the world to explore renewable energy sources. Come to one or all.

Check the list below to find out when Energy Express is coming to a library near you…

Thursday, July 18, 2024

• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Potomac Library
• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Marilyn Praisner Library

Tuesday, July 23, 2024

• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Olney Library
• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Maggie Nightingale Library

Thursday, July 25, 2024

• 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at Quince Orchard Library
• 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Wheaton Library

RESIDENTIAL: Have you wanted to go solar but aren't sure where to start or what to do? The Capital Area Solar Switch program makes it easy for homeowners and small businesses to learn about rooftop solar, battery storage, and installation. This program takes advantage of group-buying power and Solar United Neighbors’ expertise to ensure participants receive a quality system at a lower price. The program closes on Thursday, July 24, 2024 so if you haven’t signed up to participate – NOW IS THE TIME!

RESIDENTIAL: If you don’t have a heat pump yet, the Electrify MC Program can help you with that! This program provides residents with a one-stop option to help them electrify their homes and there is money to be had!!! Still not sold on why you should switch to a heat pump? Well, a pair of Berkeley musicians created a song that blends the R&B sound with reasons why you should make the switch called “(I’m Your) Heat Pump” and it has hit the airways on NPR.

RESIDENTIAL: You have rights as a utility customer, but most people don’t know what they are and that is why the Office of People’s Counsel has created this ONLINE lecture series. These short, virtual information sessions will teach you about power surge damage, shut-off restrictions during the summer, when the utility can enter your home, debris responsibility, and more!

COMMERCIAL/MULTIFAMILY: The deadline for submitting calendar year 2023 energy benchmarking reports was June 3. To date, over 75% of covered buildings have submitted benchmarking reports. Over 87% have filed reports or requested extensions. 

Group 5 (multifamily properties between 25,000 and 25,000 square feet) are reporting for the first time this year. So far, 80% of Group 5 buildings have been reported or have extensions filed. 

DEP's benchmarking status report provides more information on the compliance status of each covered building and is updated weekly. 

DEP would like to thank building owners, managers, and benchmarking service providers for your efforts to submit accurate and timely reports. 

What's next?

DEP will be continuing with outreach and enforcement in the coming months. Notice of Violation letters are planned for early August and citations will follow. 

The annual benchmarking report and data disclosure will be published and benchmarking scorecards emailed to reporters before October 1.