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Tuesday, September 16, 2025 | Department of Environmental Protection
The 2026 Montgomery County Energy Summit is shaping up to be the most impactful yet. Building on our success from previous years, the Summit, April 28 - 29, 2026 at the Silver Spring Civic Building, will center around the theme of Elevating Building Performance—focusing on advancing high-performance strategies that drive energy efficiency, resilience, and innovation across all stages of the building lifecycle.
We are seeking session proposals that reflect this year’s focus and highlight real-world applications, emerging technologies, and replicable strategies in the following areas:
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Building lifecycle – design, new construction, and existing building performance
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Building sector – Common ownership communities, hospitality, life sciences, retail, commercial office, and others
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Spotlight – case studies, technologies, financing models, and public/private programs
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Building systems – controls, lighting, HVAC, EV charging infrastructure, and electrification
We invite you to submit your proposal to present at the 2026 Energy Summit by October 24, 2025.
DEP has published additional Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) technical guidance. See Compliance Options on the BEPS webpage for two new reference documents:
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The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) announced the opening of the annual application window for the Electrifying Community Buildings Program. MEA anticipates offering total Fiscal Year 2026 funding of $6.8 million for building electrification upgrades that replace existing fossil fuel-powered equipment with efficient electric alternatives. This includes electric heat pumps, water heaters, and ENERGY STAR appliances, as well as building improvements like air sealing and improved wiring and system controls.
The competitive grant program is for community serving buildings such as hospitals, houses of worship, school and university buildings, senior centers, and other community serving buildings that provide services or are used for community activities.
The Electrifying Community Buildings application submission window is open through December 31, 2025. For more information or assistance, subscribe to MEA email updates or contact Program Manager, Megan Lackay, at building.decarbonization@maryland.gov.
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Customers can bring their small appliances including dehumidifier, room A/C, or mini fridge to Edward M. Felegy Elementary School in Hyattsville MD on Saturday, September 27th, 8 a.m. to 12 noon and receive a $25 check in the mail. Customers looking to recycle their larger appliances including refrigerator and freezers can do so by scheduling a pick-up online. A participating contractor will come to the customers’ home and secure their unit(s). Once the unit has been picked up, the customer will receive their $50 check in the mail.
Interested customers can schedule their pick-up or learn more about the upcoming event by visiting pepco.com/ApplianceRecycling.
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County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill 13 vacancies on the Workforce Development Board. Nine vacancies are for business representatives, three vacancies are for community-based/ non-profit organization representatives, one vacancy is for a labor organization representative.
The Workforce Development Board oversees the administration of the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which includes Montgomery County’s American Job Centers (AJC). To carry out workforce development activities, the board utilizes WorkSource Montgomery, Inc. (WSM) as its’ staffing and fiscal agent. In partnership with WSM, the board executes the county’s vision for workforce development through the critical work of connecting underemployed and unemployed residents to training and employment opportunities, as well as working directly with businesses to understand and help meet their talent recruitment and retention needs.
The deadline for application is October 6, 2025. To apply click “Apply for Board” to complete the online form and provide a letter of interest and resume.
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Local News
Montgomery County Secures More Than $2 Million in Maryland Energy Administration Grant Awards for Sustainable Infrastructure (County Press Release)
Why Prices Are Soaring in the Country’s Largest Grid Region, Explained in 5 Charts (Inside Climate News)
Per capita energy-related CO2 emissions decreased in every state between 2005 and 2023 (Maryland is #1, Energy Information Administration)
How does MCPS choose which buildings to renovate? (Bethesda Magazine)
Catholic University of America Leads with Solar Energy Project (Facilities Net)
Other News
What the New IRS Guidance Means for Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives (Alliance to Save Energy)
Global solar installations rise 64%, to 380 GW, in first half of 2025 (Utility Dive)
Why Energy Efficiency is a Tool for Nonprofit Resilience (Facilities Net)
What We're Listening To
The OBBBA and What It Means for Energy Efficiency (AEE)
Powering More With Less: All You Need To Know About Energy Efficiency (The World Bank Group Development Podcast)
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Sep 19, 9:15 am - 2 pm | University of Maryland
2025 Sustainability in Business Conference
Sep 19, 11:30 am - 4 pm
Reimagine Buildings: Massive Impact
Sep 21, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm | Interfaith Power & Light DMV
Solar Celebration and Clean Energy Fair
Oct 7, 12 - 1 pm | AIA Potomac Valley
Take Advantage of Your Vertical Surfaces: Building-Integrated Photovoltaics
Oct 14 - 15 | Maryland Clean Energy Center
Maryland Clean Energy Summit
Oct 23, 9 am - 6 pm | Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition
2025 Annual Conference, Expo, Awards Luncheon
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