Every year since 1992, the country has made ENERGY the focus of the month of October. From energy awareness to energy action and now to clean energy action, the name of the month may slightly change but it is always a time for individuals, businesses, and communities to reflect on their energy consumption and take steps towards a more sustainable future.
Because it is Energy Action Month, we wanted to celebrate with a new and improved website, Montgomery Energy Connection, that links residents to energy information so that they can take control over their energy usage and ultimately spend less each month on this vital resource.
This one stop shop for all things energy will answer any and all questions you have to help you lower your energy bills. 🥳
Oh, and our newsletter got an updated look too - say hello to the
NEW Montgomery Power Line this morning!
So, How Can You Take Action This Month? 🤔
You can start off by using less energy and water.
Water is a double whammy - you have to pay to heat the water and you often have to pay for the water. Why not reduce your costs and your stress levels by doing exactly what this cutie is doing? Take a bath (rubber duckies are optional)!
Looking for other ways to conserve this month? Check out this article that lists fifteen ways to help lower costs.
|
Or how about getting rid of all those dusty, inefficient lightbulbs collecting dust in your closet, attic, or basement?
Lighting accounts for around 12% of an average home’s electricity use. You could save about $225 in energy costs per year by switching to LEDs. Don't believe us? Ask an expert and they will tell you to get rid of them already! You can get rid of them at an Illumination Station at a library near you or 👀 look for the💡lightbulb icon on the calendar to find out where we will be next.
Did you know that CFL bulbs need to be recycled right? They contain mercury and nationwide over 670 million mercury-containing bulbs are discarded improperly each year. In Montgomery County most of these bulbs end up in the landfill 😲 Let's not let that happen on our watch!
|
Speaking of getting rid of stuff, how about transitioning from fossil fuels?
The County has money for you! We are not talking rebates, we are talking about discounts taken off at the point of installation - money you don't have to spend! Not sure where to start? Electrify MC is here to answer all your ⚡electrifying⚡ questions, simply contact the HELP DESK by phone at 301-830-5767 or email electrifymc@elysianenergy.com.
And those loud gas-powered leaf blowers are a nuisance this time of year, get rid of them...The American Green Zone Alliance wants you to make the switch and will tell you all about it at their upcoming webinar on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 7:00 PM. Make sure you register in advance.
|
BUT WAIT, there's more!
Do you have an old, working mini fridge, room A/C unit, or dehumidifier taking up space? Maryland Pepco customers are invited to participate in an Appliance Recycling Drop-Off Event on Saturday, October 5th between 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM at Eastern Middle School, 300 University Blvd E, Silver Spring, MD 20901.
Learn more by visiting pepco.com/RecycleEvent.
Last but not least, you could make the switch to a renewable energy source!
There's community solar, Capital Area Solar Switch, and new ways to go geothermal.
If you don't want to do a ton of research or pay to make the upgrades, Maryland is an energy choice state, meaning you can find a clean energy provider and select your electricity providers
First of all, thank you for scrolling all the way down, this is our first attempt at making this newsletter a little more fun and engaging for the reader but we also know, you want to know where to find the most important stuff...so here it is!
- Want to swap out those bulbs? Look for the 💡on the calendar to find out where we will be next.
- Looking for a new job or change of career, we have GREEN JOBS listed on our My Green Montgomery website.
- Are you a nonprofit organization in the County or do you work at one? The Office of Grants Management (OGM) posts open grant programs on OGM County Website and their SM Apply online application platform.
- Have you electrified your home and want to let people see what you've done? We are looking for single-family and multi-unit residential units to host webinars and site visits to to help everyone understand what it means to electrify. If you're interested, please email your contact information to energy@montgomerycountymd.gov
We can't let you leave without watching this amazing video...please share with all the educators you know. YOU'RE WELCOME!!!
|
