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Wednesday, September 18, 2024 | Montgomery Energy Connection
RESIDENTIAL: Electrify MC, a pilot project aimed at helping residents transition from fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and propane in their homes, is celebrating ONE YEAR! Through Electrify MC, residents have a turnkey solution for removing fossil fuels from their homes and going electric using the County’s vetted contractor, Elysian Energy, and can access an electrification help desk at NO COST!
This initiative not only supplements the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR audit program, which is part of the statewide EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency program, but also demonstrates our commitment to fostering a sustainable future for our community to help the County reach our climate goals to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035. To date, the program has helped 19 households choose a cold-climate heat pump, completed 55 total electrification projects, and received more than 400 sign-ups from residents interested in making the switch!
Did we mention that there is still money available? As of July 2024, we have made updates to the incentives available and residents must replace a fossil-fueled equivalent to qualify.
For more information on how you can participate in the Electrify MC program, please visit our website or if you have any questions, simply contact the HELP DESK by phone at 301-830-5767 or email at electrifymc@elysianenergy.com.
RESIDENTIAL: In April, Neighborhood Sun Benefit Corp, a Maryland-based Certified B Corp, announced the construction of Free Rein Solar Farm. And while the project is nearly sold out, there is some availability remaining for income qualifying households and those households will receive a discount of 20%. Finding out if you qualify is easy, you fill out an online form and submit a copy of your utility bill. If you have any questions about enrolling, you can always call (888) 606-0054 for assistance.
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RESIDENTIAL: As a utility customer, you have rights but most residents don’t know what they are and don't know what to do when they fall behind on their utility bills. Luckily, the Office of People’s Counsel has created 30-minutes webinars with the help of Office of Home Energy Programs to help residents’ experts on the programs that exist to help you keep your lights on and pay for overdue or large bills. They have also created Community Resource Guides, available in English, Spanish, Korean, French, and Chinese to provide information about your rights as a residential utility consumer, programs that can help you keep your power, and answers to frequently asked questions about utility issues. To view previous sessions, visit their YouTube channel.
Attend an upcoming webinar:
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RESIDENTIAL: Did you miss the County’s promoted solar co-op process this year called Capital Area Solar Switch? Well, you are in luck because the Solar Switch program, offered by nonprofit Solar United Neighbors, is open until November 22nd for anyone who missed the County promoted process!
Solar Switch makes it more affordable for homeowners to install solar panels, add battery storage to their installation, and install electric vehicle chargers. Solar Switch also offers free educational webinars and in-person events to explain the process and benefits of going solar. Take advantage of this opportunity by registering for the program by November 22, 2024.
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RESIDENTIAL: The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022 introduced enhanced tax incentives for energy-efficient buildings to reduce carbon emissions and foster economic activity in the U.S.
The updated Internal Revenue Code Section 45L New Energy Efficient Home tax credit offers up to $2,500 per unit for homes meeting Energy Star certification and up to $5,000 for homes achieving the Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home certification.
These incentives are available for homes sold or leased from 2023 through 2032, with multifamily projects needing to comply with federal prevailing wage requirements to qualify for the full credits. Read more about the changes in this article.
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RESIDENTIAL: New federal tax credits have revitalized interest among industry professionals and homeowners in solar water heating (SWH).
SWH models that have earned the ENERGY STAR can reduce household water heating costs by up to 50%. However, high installation costs have historically deterred homeowners. New federal tax credits have reduced the upfront costs of thermal solar energy systems, covering up to 30% of system and installation costs, making the technology a more feasible option for homeowners. Not sure if solar water heaters are right for you? Check out this article and visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website for more information.
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CONGREGATIONS: You and your congregation are invited to attend the "Climate Solutions for Congregations: Bridging Spiritual Wisdom and Environmental Stewardship," in partnership with the Montgomery County Office of Community Partnerships (OCP), the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), and fellow faith groups across the County. Sunday, October 13, 2-6pm Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission (MNCPPC) 2425 Reedie Drive in Wheaton Montgomery County’s diverse faith communities have a critical role to play in achieving the county’s Climate Action Plan.
During this event, we will recognize the County’s green congregations, discuss lessons learned by those undertaking green initiatives in County congregations, connect with County programs and resources, and break bread together in fellowship. Wherever your congregation is on the journey of environmental action, you’ll leave inspired to deepen your efforts, in partnership with neighbors of many traditions. Please RSVP by Monday, October 1st
Montgomery Energy Connection, a program of the County, wants to meet residents where they are and we do this by hosting events throughout the County.
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!
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.
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Monday, September 23, 2024 from 2:30 pm – 5:30 pm at Quince Orchard Library 15831 Quince Orchard Road, Gaithersburg, MD 20878
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Tuesday, September 24, 2024 from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm at Wheaton Library from 11701 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
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Monday, September 30, 2024 from 10:30 am – 2:30 pm at Rockville Memorial Library 21 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850
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RESIDENTIAL: Since 2018, Montgomery County, MD, has been participating in Active Aging Week (AAW), an international weeklong event celebrating the positivity of aging and active living. Committed to empowering its older residents and to reinforcing collaboration among local organizations, Montgomery County customized AAW to the community's needs.
As part of this weeklong celebration, you will find Pop Up events that feature light bulb exchanges – why? Because electricity is something we all need to stay healthy– without electricity, how do you refrigerate and cook your food? How do you stay connected with your friends and family without access to the internet? And how to you stay active without music to move to, lights to brighten up our day, and heating/cooling to keep us comfortable after all the movement!
Join us at one of the events listed below!
To find us out and about in the County, check out the
Community Calendar.
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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 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.
Here are some current openings to get you started:
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