State Program Offers Aid for Energy-Efficient Home Improvements
For the first time ever, low- to moderate-income homeowners in Rockville could be eligible for up to $10,000 in cost-effective energy efficiency improvements through a state grant program.
The Maryland Energy Administration’s Clean Energy Communities Low-to-Moderate Income Grant Program awarded BlockChain Frontiers Foundation, Inc. $329,000 to support energy-efficiency home improvements in central Maryland. The program is now accepting applications for projects between July 1, 2019 and Aug. 1, 2020. BFF is a nonprofit foundation that works with Maryland communities to provide home weatherization upgrades to reduce monthly utility bills.
Eligible energy improvements may include but are not limited to: attic insulation; furnace testing, diagnostics, maintenance and replacement; duct sealing and insulating; water heater treatments; Energy Star appliances; replacing standard light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs; and installing low-flow, energy-efficient aerators and showerheads. In some cases, projects may include HVAC replacement, including heat pump, furnace or boiler replacement. Window, roof and door replacements are not eligible.
Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis until the grant money is exhausted.
Homeowners in other jurisdictions participating in the program in 2018 saved $280 on average monthly energy costs.
To participate in the program, homeowners must meet eligibility requirements. Income eligibility requirements range from $69,800 for a single-person household, to $99,600 for a four-person household and $131,600 for an eight-person household
For more information, city residents may contact Niambi Powell at [email protected] or 240-314-8319
For more about the state program, visit https://energy.maryland.gov/govt/pages/cleanenergylmi.aspx.