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Financial incentives for adopting energy-efficient practices and renewable technologies are available from local, state, and federal sources. Financial assistance is also available for help with household energy bills.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Programs
Montgomery County has a comprehensive package of programs to drive investment in energy-efficiency and clean energy. Funding is provided by a $7.6 million grant through the U.S. Department of Energy (as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act).
The County's package provides financial incentives for energy-efficiency retrofits of commercial properties, non-profit institutions, multi-family properties, and single family homes.
The Commercial and Multi-Family Energy-Efficiency Rebate Program program provided rebates of up to $75,000 to small and medium sized businesses, multi-family properties, and non-profit organizations to offset a portion of the cost of energy efficiency upgrades. Funds were available for improvements to building envelopes, lighting, heating and air conditioning, and other projects which reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills. All funding under this program is expected to be allocated to applications that were filed by the May 16th, 2011 deadline.
The Residential Rebate Program Program will provide rebates for energy efficiency improvements identified through a Maryland Home Performance with ENERGY STAR audit. Funds will soon be available for improvements to the building envelope, lighting, heating and air conditioning, and other projects which reduce energy consumption and lower energy bills.
Property Tax Credits
The County passed legislation April 22, 2008 (Earth Day) to give residents property tax credits up to $250 annually for the installation of energy-efficient devices.
The application for the property tax credit is available on the Department of Finance Web site.
Renewable Energy Property Tax Credits (Closed to New Applications)
Montgomery County has recently suspended applications for the renewable energy property tax credit, which experienced an extremely high level of demand that greatly outstripped the available funds (capped at $400,000 annually) resulting in a backlog of at least 5 years between the time of application to time of payment.
Residents who engaged in contracts for renewable energy devices before November 8, 2011 will still be permitted to apply for a credit. However, no additional applications will be accepted.
For more information on eligibility or updates on the status of a previous application, please visit the Department of Finance Web site.
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Maryland State Incentives
Maryland Energy Administration Home Performance Rebate Program
For a limited time, the Maryland Energy Administration Home Performance Rebate Program is offering rebates on home energy audits and select home insulation and sealing projects. Homeowners can choose from a list of contractors on the Maryland Home Performance list. Projects through this program may be eligible for additional incentives from your utility. Be sure that your contractor is also eligible for rebates from the utility.
The following state incentives are available for both residential and commercial property owners.
Maryland Energy Administration Clean Energy Grant Programs
Grant monies provided by the Maryland Energy Administration are available for geothermal systems, solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar water heaters, and small wind turbines.
Residential customers: Visit Residential Clean Energy Grant Program for more information.
Commercial customers: Visit Commercial Clean Energy Grant Program for more information.
Maryland Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) Certified Solar Facilities
The State of Maryland requires that all standard-offer electricity include a percentage of electricity generated from solar energy sources. To meet this demand, the Maryland Public Service Commission created a process for Maryland solar photovoltaic (PV) system owners (residential and commercial) to sell their renewable energy certificates (RECs) to energy suppliers. This revenue can offset some of the cost of installing a solar PV system. Visit the Public Service Commission's Web site for more information, or call 800.492.0474 ext. 8059.
The Maryland Clean Energy Center Home Energy Loan Program
The Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) is offering low interest loans for projects that increase a home’s energy efficiency. Unsecuritized loans are available for up to $20,000 at a 6.99% interest rate. Eligible properties are single-family detached homes or townhomes and be the primary residence of the applicant. Homeowners must have a complete home energy audit through a certified contractor on MCEC’s approved list.
Additional Incentives for Maryland Residents and Businesses
Residents and businesses can learn more about Maryland incentives and tax credits through the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.
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Federal Incentives
Tax credits for energy-efficiency improvements are available for products placed in service in 2010 and 2011. Visit the ENERGY STAR Web site for more information about which products qualify and necessary IRS forms.
Tax credits for solar projects are available until December 31, 2016. Visit the ENERGY STAR Web site for more information and IRS forms.
Residents and businesses can also learn more about federal incentives and tax credits through the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency.
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Utility Incentives and Local Rebates
Local electric utilities are offering their customers discounts on energy-efficient lighting (compact fluorescent light bulbs) and appliance purchases, as well as home energy audits and home tune-ups. See your utility's web site for more information.
Pepco Home Energy Savings Program
Program includes energy-efficient lighting and appliance rebates, home energy check-ups and audits, HVAC tune-ups, tips and more.
Pepco Energy Wise Rewards Program
Provides customers with a free programmable thermostat, and the option to cycle central air conditioning systems for additional energy savings.
BGE Smart Energy Savers Program
Program includes energy-efficient lighting and appliance rebates, home energy check-ups and audits, HVAC tune-ups, an on-line home energy calculator, tips and more.
BGE Peak Rewards Program
Provides customers with a free programmable thermostat, and the option to cycle central air conditioning systems for additional energy savings.
Potomac Edison (formerly Allegheny Power) Watt Watchers Programs
Program includes energy-efficient lighting and appliance rebates, appliance recycling rebates, home energy check-ups and audits, an on-line energy analyzer calculator, tips and more.
Financial Assistance
Energy bills can get out of hand, and sometimes residents fall behind. Thankfully, there are programs to help reduce these high costs and keep the heat and lights on. Many of the programs listed below use the same application, so eligibility for multiple programs can be determined by completing one form. The forms can be obtained online from the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services, or by calling 311. The office is located at 1301 Piccard Drive, 4th floor, Rockville, MD 20850.
Also, visit the Maryland Office of Home Energy Programs Web site for tips on saving money on your heating bills.
- Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
Provides assistance with home heating bills. Payments are made to your utility company on your behalf. Applications can also be filed online at www.marylandsail.org.
- Electric Universal Service Program (EUSP)
A state program administered by the Department of Human Resources to assist eligible low-income electricity customers with their electric bills. Assistance is available regardless of whether you are an active customer or you are currently without service. Applications can also be filed online at www.marylandsail.org.
- Utility Service Protection Program (USPP)
Protects low-income families from utility cutoffs and allows MEAP-eligible households to enter into a year-round even monthly payment program with their utility company. An equal monthly payment plan based on the estimated cost of the customer's average annual utility usage minus the MEAP benefit is used to determine the even monthly payments for participation in the USPP.
- Weatherization Assistance Program
Helps to make homes more energy-efficient at no cost to eligible households when funds are available. Both homeowners and renters may be eligible. For renters, the landlord might be required to contribute part of the cost.
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Share Your Story
Do you have a story about an energy-efficiency or renewable energy project you'd like to share? Tell us about it! Email DEP at askdep@montgomerycountymd.gov. Please include your name and home address in the email.We might decide to showcase your project on the DEP Web site!
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