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As we WRAP up another year, we want to remind you that Montgomery Energy Connection is your go-to place for up-to-date, reliable information on how to become more energy aware and to take action, that is our mission.
Every month, we create this newsletter to bring you the news you need about programs that are available to help you lower your energy costs and keep money in your pocket.
We have a website, www.MontgomeryEnergyConnection.org that helps you take control of your energy costs with information on how to use less energy in your home, switch to renewable energy, pay for energy upgrades and electrify your home.
We publish blog posts on My Green Montgomery to keep you informed on what is happening in the world, whether it is the expiration of energy tax credits or seasonal energy tips. If there is a topic you would like us to cover, please let us know by emailing us at energy@montgomerycountymd.gov.
We host Illumination Station events at local libraries and table at various community events around the County, you can always find out where we will be on the Community Calendar.
We have an Instagram page with almost 1000 followers – we post amazing videos, tips and tricks, and reminders about upcoming events, if you don’t follow us, please make sure you do for daily updates.
And now the news you need to finish the year off strong…
Hold on to your holiday stockings, you thought eggs were getting expensive, your electricity bills may be next.
Electricity costs in over half the states have outpaced average inflation according to The New York Times. An expert remarked that utility bills are “the new ‘cost of eggs,’” highlighting their growing role as a budget burden. While electricity prices are unlikely to fall soon, there are things you can do to help lower your utility costs.
Remember that the cheapest form of energy is the energy we don’t use. We know, we know – it’s annoying to hear but it is true. When you use less energy in your homes, you pay less every month to keep your home comfortable.
Here are some things we suggest you do at this time of year...
Invest in a programmable thermostat
This investment is less expensive than you can imagine. Through the EmPOWER Maryland’s Quick Home Energy Checkup program, you can have a programmable thermostat installed at NO ADDITIONAL COST to you. Stop reading now and contact your utility supplier (BGE, Pepco, Potomac Edison) to schedule this service today.
If you have already had a Quick Home Energy Checkup, you can always check out your utility’s marketplace to purchase a programmable thermostat at a lower price. Utility Marketplace is an online store managed by your utility provider, offering energy-efficient products to help create a smarter, more connected and comfortable home.
See if you qualify for energy assistance
The Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP) makes energy costs more affordable, prevents the loss of home energy service and helps restore interrupted service. There are various types of assistance programs available to customers.
- If you need help paying heating bills, there’s a program called MEAP for you.
- If you’re in danger of having your utility turned off, there’s a program called USPP for you.
- If you need help paying electricity bills, there’s a program called EUSP for you.
- If you need help paying overdue electric bills, there’s a program called ARA for you.
- If you need help paying overdue gas bills, there’s a program called GARA for you.
Apply for all utility assistance programs HERE.
Additionally, WSSC in partnership with United Way of the National Capital Area is providing one-time assistance up to $750 for eligible customers struggling to pay past-due water/sewer bills. Eligible customers are encouraged to act now as the $2.4 million fund is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Apply today! https://surveymonkey.com/r/ZVGRHTZ
Sign up for Electrify MC
Upgrade to clean electric appliances by Wednesday, December 31, 2025, to be eligible for up to $2,000 in tax credits. But if you can’t get it by then, no worries, we have a program to help you go electric. Electrify MC simplifies the switch to electric energy for home heating, cooling and other systems. Elysian Energy, a trusted local expert, manages the program and offers guidance throughout the process.
Have questions about how to electrify your home? Register for a virtual Maryland Go Electric DMV coaching call Wednesday, December 10, 2025, from 7:00 - 8:30pm for local advice.
Electrify DC has put together a Contractor Finder Tool that is easy to use. There is no pay-to-play, and they don’t get kickbacks of any kind. They simply list the contractors they would recommend to their friends, based on certifications, ratings, decades of experience in this sector, firsthand knowledge, and recommendations from users like you.
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Energy tax credits end on December 31, 2025 but Electrify MC will still be here.
- If you have difficulty paying your utility bills, there are programs to help you and Maryland’s Office of People’s Counsel is a resource to help you determine what your utility company can and can’t do by releasing a short webinar.
- Check out our Community Calendar to find out where we will be because Montgomery County’s Bring Your Own Bag Law will starts at the beginning of the new year, Thursday, January 1, 2026 and we will be providing reusable shopping bags at our events.
And, if you want to start the new year with a new job, check out the Green Jobs page on My Green Montgomery.
Images in this newsletter came from the following resources.
Thank you for sharing your art and images with the world!
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