What do croutons have to do with anything?

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Wednesday, May 13, 2026 | Montgomery Energy Connection

Thank you for opening this newsletter – today is National Crouton Day! According to the website, croutons are a tasty topping that shouldn’t be overlooked. And you know what else shouldn’t be overlooked? Ways to lower your utility bills! 

As always,
Montgomery Energy Connection is your link to energy savings, and we have amazing ways to help keep money in your pockets! 

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What Gets Measured Gets Managed
 
 

Ever wonder what all of those charges are for on your utility bill? The Office of People’s Counsel has come up with a webinar series to talk you through every line of your utility bill. Each live webinar is about thirty minutes long and is hosted by their Director of Consumer Assistance and an expert on the presented topic. They have a few webinars coming up this summer, but you don’t have to wait until then, you can view previous sessions on their YouTube channel. 

Want to join live? Here are the links to their upcoming webinars:  

Our website also has a page dedicated to reading your energy bills. If you have difficulty with any of these PDFs submit an alternative format requests for assistance. 


Take Advantage of the EmPOWER Maryland Program

Created in 2008, EmPOWER Maryland is a program designed to enhance energy efficiency and manage demand. Initially, the primary objective was to help residents conserve energy and lower their utility costs. However, EmPOWER has since expanded its mission to include environmental stewardship by striving to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, thereby contributing to the state's climate protection endeavors.  

If you have not yet utilized EmPOWER programs, now is the time! 

  1. Schedule your Quick Home Energy Checkup (QHEC): This program is offered at no additional cost and available to anyone who pays their own utility bills, regardless of property ownership. It consists of an hour-long assessment where a certified contractor will evaluate your home’s energy usage and identify areas for improvement. They will also provide you with energy saving products such as: LED light bulbs, smart thermostats, faucet aerators, efficient-flow showerheads, water heater pipe insulation, ShowerStart® showerhead adapter, door sweeps, and foam tape weatherstripping. Contact your utility supplier using the links below.  
  2. Looking for something more comprehensive? If you own your home, you may want to schedule a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Audit. As part of the audit, a certified Home Energy Expert will test your home for air leakage, carbon monoxide, and gas leaks and provide you with energy-saving products (see above). After completion of the audit, you will receive a report detailing available rebates to help pay for upgrades, such as insulation and HVAC equipment upgrades to make your home more energy efficient.
  3. You can find more information about each utility’s EmPOWER programs here. 
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Make the Switch to Solar

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If you're considering solar panels for your roof, Switch Together provides residents with a straightforward and cost-effective way to install reliable rooftop solar. The program also offers optional enhancements like EV chargers and battery storage, ensuring you receive a comprehensive solar solution at a competitive price. Partnering with Solar United Neighbors, Switch Together offers free educational webinars and in-person events to guide you through the entire solar installation process.  

Here are a few upcoming events:  

Don’t forget that if you can’t or don’t want to put solar panels on your roof, there is always Community Solar as an option.  


Reach Out to the Electrify MC Help Desk 

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We have a dedicated Help Desk to assist residents with any questions they may have about electrifying their homes. Electrify MC was created to help residents transition from fossil fuels (oil, gas, and propane) in their homes and we have money available for you to electrify your home! 

Elysian Energy, the competitively chosen contractor, provides outreach and technical support about all things electric in your home. They are just a phone call or email away and can help answer specific questions you may have for your home.

Contact the Help Desk by phone at 301-830-5767 or email them at electrifymc@elysianenergy.com. 


And that is how the crouton crumbles...

If you have any additional questions or notice any misspellings or broken links, please let us know. This newsletter is written by a real, person – no A.I. generated content here so we may make mistakes. If you find one (or two) of these mistakes, let us know and we will send you an amazing energy kit in the mail! Our email address is energy@montgomerycountymd.gov  

Croutons


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. 


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