Looking to learn how to save energy at your facility? Local utilities offer Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Training Program incentives for building operation personnel to receive nationally recognized training. By participating in the program, you can transform your workplaces into more comfortable and energy-efficient environments.

Pepco: O&M Training is available to contractors and building operation personnel, who are eligible to receive cash incentives covering 100% of the cost of the course, up to $1,000. BONUS: Get up to $3,500 in incentives to cover the cost of training courses through the end of the year. Learn more and apply.

Potomac Edison: 80% off building operations and maintenance training enrollment costs – or a maximum of $1,500 per course. BONUS: Select courses at no additional cost. Learn more and apply.

Several local agencies are recruiting for volunteers:

Montgomery County Climate, Energy, and Air Quality Advisory Committee (CEAQAC)

County Executive Marc Elrich is seeking applicants to fill eight vacancies on the Climate, Energy, and Air Quality Advisory Committee. All members must be technically knowledgeable and interested in climate change, energy, and air quality, and individuals with professional experience, education, and knowledge in these fields are particularly encouraged to apply. Learn more and apply by January 9.

Rockville Environment Commission

Are you motivated and interested in helping the environment in Rockville? Candidates from environmental and diverse backgrounds with experience working on a team are invited to apply to the Rockville Environment Commission or to join one of the volunteer committees on climate action, energy or watersheds.

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Air and Climate Public Advisory Committee (ACPAC)

ACPAC comprises of 18 individuals representing diverse viewpoints on regional air quality and climate change issues and provides valuable input to local elected officials on environmental planning and policy issues, share knowledge and expertise, stay informed of local and regional plans, and address climate and energy challenges. Complete the ACPAC Interest Form by Friday, January 16, 2026.

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) continues supporting solar PV installations on businesses that provide direct benefits to their surrounding communities through the FY26 Commercial and Canopy Solar Program. The agency is accepting applications for the Commercial and Canopy Solar Program now through February 9, 2026.

Join MEA for an informative webinar on 1/13 from 1 - 2 pm to go over the program highlights and notable changes - such as combining both the Commercial Solar Grant Program and the Solar Canopy and Dual Use Technology Programs. Through the FY26 Program, increased access to solar energy technologies will be key to meeting our State’s clean energy, energy affordability, and greenhouse gas reduction goals.

The Maryland Energy Administration announced the start of the application period for its OPEN Energy Innovation Program to fund impactful capital projects that fall outside the range of the agency’s suite of programs. This year, the agency anticipates the availability of $7 million in grants from the Strategic Energy Investment Fund. 

Businesses, non-profit organizations, local governments, educational institutions and other entities are eligible to apply. Projects must be located in Maryland, and all subcontractors must be licensed to do business in the state. Typically, grants will be up to $200,000), but larger grants are possible for exceptional proposals. 

Learn more and apply by February 27, 2026. 

Big changes are coming starting on January 1, 2026, but we can’t wait until New Year’s Eve to get ready for the big one – FEOC. FEOC or Foreign Entities of Concern, is a term referring to companies linked to or controlled by China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. These FEOC rules, particularly those from the Inflation Reduction Act and One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), are designed to reduce reliance on these nations in clean energy supply chains and can disqualify solar PV projects from receiving federal tax credits and incentives.

This webinar will bring four experts from the solar industry together to discuss how ready each segment of the industry is to comply with FEOC and what we need to do to get compliant if we are not there yet (spoiler alert -we’re not there yet).

Register today.

Check out DEP’s Green Job Portal for open positions in climate and sustainability jobs!