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The Clean Energy Rewards program provided Montgomery County homes and businesses an incentive (half a cent per kilowatt-hour of clean energy used) for purchasing clean, renewable energy.
While the program was beneficial, current economic conditions are affecting many County programs, including this one. As a result, the Clean Energy Rewards program closed on June 15, 2010 to new and existing participants.
All participants in the program stopped receiving Clean Energy Rewards on their electricity bills, or discounts on their purchases of renewable energy certificates.
The Clean Energy Rewards program will continue to offer information about clean energy sources, direct residents and businesses to local clean energy suppliers, and provide information about solar energy options.
Montgomery County encourages its residents and businesses to switch their energy source to clean energy. Low prices for clean energy products, in many cases below standard offer service, make purchasing clean energy more affordable and easy.
Energy Supplier vs. Energy Utility
Your utility (BG&E, Pepco, or Allegheny Power) is the entity that you're probably most familiar with. It transmits electricity to your home or business and sends you the bill. The utility, however, distributes electricity that is provided by energy suppliers—separate entities that purchase energy from energy generators. In Maryland it's possible to choose your energy supplier.
Once you choose a different energy supplier, you'll still be billed by the utility, but you'll receive a confirmation from the energy supplier (once it has processed your application). DEP suggests reviewing the Clean Energy suppliers certified by the Clean Energy Rewards program below. Your new supplier's information will appear on your utility bill.
Background
Since its inception in 2007, the Clean Energy Rewards program has encouraged over 6,000 residents and 300 businesses to make the switch from electricity generated by fossil-fuel fired power plants to clean energy sources like wind and solar. Together, program participants have avoided over 120,000 tons of carbon dioxide by switching to clean energy!
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Compare Prices and Make the Switch
The good news for those who have already made the switch to clean energy (or are considering switching) is that, on average, product options for clean energy are lower than electricity rates from utilities. This minimizes the need for incentives like the Clean Energy Rewards. Visit your utility’s web site and the Clean Energy Rewards suppliers’ web sites to compare product options and prices. Then, sign-up to receive clean energy from the clean energy supplier of your choice. You may be surprised that you can save money by switching to clean energy.
Links to Utility Electricity Rates
Allegheny Power Residential Rates (Schedule R)
BGE Residential Rates (Schedule R)
Pepco Residential Rates (Schedule R)
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How to Sign Up for Clean Energy from a Supplier
Click on the links in the chart below to find the clean energy product right for you. Contact the supplier directly if you have specific product questions or need assistance signing up.
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Contact Us
Clean Energy Rewards Coordinator
Department of Environmental Protection
255 Rockville Pike #120
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 311
Email: askdep@montgomerycountymd.gov
Last Updated: May 28, 2010
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