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Did you really open this email just for the answer??? Thank you!!
A: They both spring ahead to save energy 😂🤣😆
Read on for more fun...
Not only is St.Patrick's Day right around the corner, but today marks the second Friday the 13th of the year. It must be a good sign that there are two this year! And speaking of signs, how about the one above?
Today, we toast you with this newsletter and ways to help you lower your energy costs.
May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.
And what about those utility costs?
Residential electricity rates rose an average of 5% in the United States last year. A few states, particularly in the Northwest and Midwest, saw double that or more. Maryland reporter, Jenny Abamu recently highlighted three reasons why Maryland electric bills are increasing – usage went up, natural gas prices are volatile, and energy demand (from data centers) has increased.
So how do we lower those costs? There are a few different ways, but the number one way is by using less energy – we know, it is not what anyone wants to hear, but it helps. As always, we are here to help you lower those bills with some easy steps you can take.
Step 1: Schedule a Home Energy Audit Right NOW!
Whether you rent or own your home, if you pay a bill to BGE, Pepco, or Potomac Edison, you qualify for a Quick Home Energy Checkup right now at NO ADDITIONAL COST.
If you own your home and want a comprehensive look at your home from the attic to the basement, then you can schedule a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Audit with your utility for only $100 – and that is a bargain. Plus, after the audit, you will receive a report and access to over $7500 worth of rebate money.
Step 2: Go to the Healthy Home Fair
This FREE event is your one stop shop for all things energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy. You can talk to people in real time and explore products, services and programs to make your home healthier, more resilient and affordable to power. This all takes place on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 12:00 – 5:00 PM at Catholic University.
We promise that this event will not disappoint! One of our team members attended this event 2 years ago and ended up purchasing an electric bike after taking it for a test drive at the Home Fair…and she won’t stop talking about it.
You will want to register and arrive early so that you can get a free baby Redbud tree at the Casey Trees booth, a carbon monoxide safety kit at the DC Health booth, and/or a weatherization kit at the Public Service Commission booth. But there are limited number of these items so the earlier you get there, the more likely you are to leave with one or all of those items!
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Step 3: Join Your Neighbors to Make the Switch to Solar
If you are looking to put solar panels on your roof, Montgomery County promotes the Switch Together program to residents.
Switch Together offers residents a hassle-free way to install reliable solar on your rooftop, with optional add-ons including EV chargers and battery storage, for a competitive price. Switch Together through Solar United Neighbors, provides free educational webinars and in-person events to guide you through the process of going solar.
Switch Together conducts rigorous reviews of installer qualifications, ensuring participants receive a high-quality installation from a trusted installer.
Step 4: Get Rid of Those Fuel Deliveries
This winter, electricity costs were high, but oil and propane costs were even higher. This is where Electrify MC comes in. Electrify MC provides residents with direct incentives to transition from fossil fuels (oil, gas, and propane) to their homes. Heat pumps are highly energy-efficient, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide both heating and cooling, eliminating the need for separate systems. Although the initial cost is high, heating your home with electricity doesn’t carry a risk of gas or carbon monoxide leaks. Recent studies have found a link between rates of asthma and gas usage. Heat pumps also require less maintenance than combustion heating systems, which means lower repair and maintenance costs. If you have questions, we have a HELP DESK just call 301-830-5767 or email the program at electrifymc@elysianenergy.com.
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Step 5: Consider Budget billing
Granted, this isn’t necessarily a way to LOWER your bills, but it is a way to help manage your budget. Managing monthly expenses can often feel like navigating a maze, especially when it comes to fluctuating utility bills. For many, these bills can be unpredictable, leading to stress and financial strain. Enter budget billing—a tool designed to offer more consistent utility costs, but they don’t guarantee affordability. Check out our newest blog post to learn more.
Step 6: Attend an Event to Learn More
- For the remainder of the month, our Illumination Station will be at seven libraries throughout the County – a great place to swap out your lightbulbs and get fun tips to lower energy bills.
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Registration is now open for the Montgomery County Energy Summit. At this event there will be 300+ building owners, property managers, and sustainability leaders for two days of learning, connection, and hands-on innovation on April 28th and 29th.
Take our money PLEASE!!!
Do you work or volunteer for a nonprofit in Montgomery County? If so, please take note that there is $1,000,000 in grant funding available RIGHT NOW through the Healthy, Efficient, Electrified, Climate-Adapted Pilot (HEECAP) Homes Grants Program. This program is looking for organizations to help retrofit income-eligible houses for energy efficiency, a healthy indoor environment, climate resilience, and all-electric appliances. The application process just opened on Tuesday, March 11th and will be open until Wednesday, April 15th (tax day!!!). Be sure to check the announcement for all details.
Images in this newsletter came from the following resources. We do not pay for these or endorse any particular product but we thank you for sharing your art and images with the world, we appreciate it.
🍀 Side note, this newsletter is written by real humans and we may make mistakes. If you find a mistake, misspelling, or a link that doesn't work please let us know. Email energy@montgomerycountymd.gov. We would like to thank you by sending you something in the mail to help you lower your energy bills. 🍀
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