The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is soliciting grant applications from nonprofits for one competitively selected federally funded subgrantee for a Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Electrification and Indoor Air Quality Improvements Pilot Project in Montgomery County, Maryland to upgrade one or more low-income communities with energy-efficient electric appliances, heating, and hot water systems.

The goal of the grant project is to complete fuel-switching activities in at least 30 single-family units or at least 1 multifamily building serving at least 15 units. The single award will total roughly $1.8 million. This is the first County grant program funded by a Federal grant.

This grant program will use a multi-stage application process. In the First Stage/Eligibility Screening, applicants will submit basic organizational details and summary information that broadly outlines their eligibility, proposed eligible affordable housing communities, and ability to fulfill the terms of the Federal grant requirements. Applicants will be encouraged or discouraged to participate in the Second Stage/Full Application of the grant program process. First stage applications are due Nov 21 2024 11:59 PM (EST): https://mcmdgrants.smapply.org/prog/FY25LMI-Electrification/.  

The Maryland Department of Environment (MDE) will be hosting a Benchmarking and Reporting Working Group session on November 14 at 11 am to learn how to submit data to both Montgomery County DEP and MDE. The presentation and accompanying draft document will provide guidance on how to handle slight differences in the BEPS requirements for both jurisdictions using a single ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager entry for your covered building. Register for this session.

Stakeholders can submit feedback on the MDE Draft Guidance for Benchmarking in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager and the Draft MDE Statewide BEPS and Montgomery County DEP Benchmarking Alignment Guidance using this form.

The Maryland Energy Administration announced the opening of the new Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) Commercial Solar Grant Program, which offers major incentives to Maryland businesses and organizations to help pay the costs of solar energy systems that benefit Maryland’s low-to-moderate income, overburdened and underserved communities. 

The FY25 Commercial Solar Program has a budget of $5 million. Enhanced incentives are available for the installation of solar photovoltaic systems by nonprofit organizations; Small Business Enterprises; Minority Business Enterprises;  Disadvantaged Business Enterprises; Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprises; and Veteran- and Disabled Veteran-owned businesses.

Grants also are available for businesses and other organizations with substantial energy needs that can benefit from larger-scale solar installations that reduce their energy costs and improve sustainability of their operations.​

The program is a first-come, first-served program that will accept applications on a rolling basis through 3:00 PM ET, March 31, 2025, or until funding is exhausted. Learn more and apply here.

Check out DEP’s Green Job Portal for open positions in climate and sustainability jobs! Highlighted opportunities this month include several with Montgomery County DEP:

• Program Specialist II, Recycling and Refuse Services | Apply by November 19th
• Program Specialist, Commercial Recycling | Apply by November 25th
  
• Program Manager, Climate Engagement | Apply by December 2nd
  

What does it take to electrify, decarbonize a manufactured home community? A community-scale retrofit project in Colorado offers a path toward lowering power bills for a population that faces high levels of energy insecurity. (Utility Dive)

Utility-scale U.S. solar electricity generation continues to grow in 2024: In August 2024, utility-scale generation of solar electricity averaged 63.1 gigawatthours between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. each day in the Lower 48 states, 36% more than for the same hours in August 2023. (EIA)

Clean Energy Jobs Are Changing Lives. These Programs Are Providing Liftoff: Maryland recently announced a $9.2 million higher education renewable energy workforce development program. (RMI)

‘Split incentive gap’ impedes building decarbonization, SMI says, as it suggests solutions: Emission reduction targets, legislative measures and green leases can resolve the misalignment between landlords and tenants in decarbonization efforts, the Sustainable Markets Initiative says. (Utility Dive)

Report Shows AI's Impact on Facilities Management: Industry report shows the importance of AI, energy efficiency emphasis and prioritizing preventive maintenance. Energy efficiency is the sustainability focus of managers. Key stat: 69.4 percent said it’s their top sustainability priority. (facilitiesnet)