Can you believe we are only eleven days into the summer season? Itās been a busy twelve days!Ā Not only are temperatures high, but thunderstorm and flash flood warnings are happening almost daily. Thatās why we want to encourage you to sign up for Alert Montgomery. This system provides accurate and immediate emergency notifications from Montgomery County to your cell, work, or home phones via text, email, or voice message - including water and power outages.
Although temperatures are high, there are some things you can do to stay cool this summer. And if youāre looking to see what really works in lowering your energy bills, check out this guest blog post.
- Get some shade ā not just on your windows but also in your yard
- Replace your air filter ā this should happen every 90 days/3 months
- Update your homeās insulation ā call your utility company to schedule a Home Performance Energy Audit to make sure you have enough in your home
- Install ceiling fans - make sure they are turning counterclockwise, this direction pushes cool air downwards, creating a refreshing breeze and helping to circulate air more effectively, which can make you feel cooler.
- Dust off and clean refrigerator coils ā and while youāre at it, make sure that your refrigerator is set between 35-38 degrees.
- Assemble a disaster supply kit ā make sure to include food, water, first aid kit, and important documents
- Enroll in Pepco Energy Wise Rewards or BGE Energy Savings Days
Join us for "Powering a Colorful World" where we'll explore how electric vehicles and smart home devices make our world cleaner and more colorful.Ā Energy Express is a summer event where kids and families learn about energy usage. A partnership between the Department of Environmental Protection, Nature Forward, and Montgomery County Public Libraries, these interactive presentations add an energy lens to the Summer Reading theme, Color Our World. P.O.W.E.R. students will guide children aged 6 to 12 to explore renewable energy worldwide. This year, we will be visiting nine libraries during the month of July, and this is great FREE way to beat the sun! Ā Ā
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As the days get hotter and utility bills get higher, scammers are out there trying to take advantage of your desire to pay less this season. A utility will never call or text you to demand your bank account information or try to have you pay by prepaid card or Western Union to avoid disconnection. Do not automatically believe what the person at your door is saying, never feel pressured by the voice at the other end of the phone line. Making hasty changes to your utilities can prove to be far more costly in the long run.
If you have questions or concerns about who your electricity supplier is, please contact your utility. In Montgomery County, that could be Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO), Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), or Potomac Edison Company.
Here are some of the ways scammers will try to scam you.
If you are the victim of a scam, contact your utility, and if it is a money scam, also contact the police. Please report scams to the MCPDās non-emergency number at 301-279-8000. Remember, once the scammer gets the money, there is no way to get it back. If you are concerned about your utility bill, call your utility directly.
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As the days get hotter and utility bills get higher, scammers are out there trying to take advantage of your desire to pay less this season. A utility will never call or text you to demand your bank account information or try to have you pay by prepaid card or Western Union to avoid disconnection. Do not automatically believe what the person at your door is saying, never feel pressured by the voice at the other end of the phone line. Making hasty changes to your utilities can prove to be far more costly in the long run.
If you have questions or concerns about who your electricity supplier is, please contact your utility. In Montgomery County, that could be Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO), Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), or Potomac Edison Company.
Here are some of the ways scammers will try to scam you.
If you are the victim of a scam, contact your utility, and if it is a money scam, also contact the police. Please report scams to the MCPDās non-emergency number at 301-279-8000. Remember, once the scammer gets the money, there is no way to get it back. If you are concerned about your utility bill, call your utility directly.
All kidding aside, solar energy offers many benefits from lowering your electricity bills to increasing your property value and a reducing your carbon footprint. Although Switch Together has closed for this round, there are still other ways to use the power of the sun. Plus, we will be promoting another round of the co-op in the Fall so be on the lookout for that. In the meantime, check out one of these options:
āļø Participate in Community Solar - community solar projects offer a perfect solution. By subscribing to a larger solar farm in your area, you can still enjoy the same benefits as if you had solar panels on your roof.
ā Attend a Solar Coffee Chat - Grab your coffee and join us for an informal and informativeĀ Go Solar Coffee Chat!Ā Whether youāre just starting to explore solar energy, ready to go solar, or have solar already, this virtual gathering can answer your questions live, about what you need to know about making the switch to solar power and what comes next.
 Starting July 1, 2025, Maryland is launching a $19 million Customer Relief Fund to help low- and middle-income families with rising energy bills. The one-time assistance will be distributed by local nonprofits in BGE, Pepco, and Delmarva Power areas to support those most affected by higher energy costs. Read the announcement about the Customer Relief Fund
š Montgomery County updated theĀ noise lawĀ to address the environmental, noise, and health concerns related to gas-powered leaf blowers and leaf vacuums. EffectiveĀ July 1, 2025, the use of handheld, backpack, and walk-behind gas-powered leaf removal equipment is banned in Montgomery County. A violation can result in aĀ $500 citation.
š Do you want to upgrade to electric but don't know where to start? Do you want to reduce your homeās energy consumption or reduce health risks from gas appliances? ElectrifyDC, is making it easier, faster, and more affordable to decarbonize all homes not and they are hosting virtual and in person events for people interested in electrification. Attend one of their sessions or visit their website for more information.
š©š½āš»Did you know that there is a federal program that helps income-eligible consumers pay for their telephone and internet services by providing a monthly discount? In Maryland, this program is called Tel-Life and you can find out more on the Office of Peopleās Counsel website. Ā
š”There will be at least four opportunities to swap out your incandescent and compact fluorescent bulbs this summer at different libraries throughout the county. All you have to do is look for Illumination Stations on the community calendar.
Images in this newsletter came from the following resources, thank you for sharing your art and images with the world!Ā
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