A state grant is helping Rockville meet the goals of its Climate Action Plan with funding to convert city facilities to LED lighting.
Upgrades are in progress at the Rockville Senior Center and Twinbrook Community Recreation Center using grants from the Maryland Energy Administration’s Maryland Smart Energy Communities program, and rebates from Pepco’s Energy Savings for Business Program. Combined, the senior center and Twinbrook projects are using $150,000 in state grants and $74,000 in rebates.
LED upgrades are planned for Thomas Farm Community Center during Fiscal Year 2025. he $92,000
upgrade project would be paid for with up to $63,000 from the state grant and a Pepco rebate of up to $12,000.
The state grant program supports local governments, state agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions and communities pursuing clean energy policies and projects aimed at reducing energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, increasing cost savings, and creating clean energy and economic development. The Thomas Farm project is expected to create $10,868 in annual energy savings for Rockville.
The city completed similar upgrades to City Hall in 2023, using a $50,000 MSEC grant and a $57,000 Pepco rebate, and is already realizing cost savings through reduced energy use.
The LED upgrades are contributing to the city’s Climate Action Plan goal of equitably reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. The energy-efficient LED bulbs last up to 25 years and generate less carbon dioxide.
Upgrading to LED bulbs at home is an easy way to save on energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint. Pepco offers residential and commercial programs to support the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act. Find them at homeenergysavings.pepco.com.
Learn more about EmPOWER Maryland and find additional energy-saving opportunities at energy.maryland.gov/pages/facts/empower.aspx.