Monday, August 19, 2013

Get Energy Efficient Upgrades To Your Home At No Charge!

EmPOWER Maryland Low Income Energy Efficiency Programs (LIEEP)

WHAT IS THE EmPOWER LOW INCOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROGRAM?

The EmPOWER Low Income Energy Efficiency Program (LIEEP), administered by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) helps low income households with installation of energy conservation materials in their homes at no charge. These improvements will both reduce a household’s energy use and lower the monthly utility bills, and will also make occupants more comfortable and may improve the air quality and overall health of the family.
Funding is provided for this program through EmPOWER Maryland partners:
Baltimore Gas and Electric
Baltimore Gas and Electric
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative
Delmarva Power
Delmarva Power
Potomac Edison
Potomac Edison
Potomac Electric Power Company
Potomac Electric Power Company

AM I ELIGIBLE?

Households may participate in the program if their annual household income is equal to or less than the equivalent of 200% of the federal poverty level. Please see the chart below to find out if your household income qualifies you to take advantage of this program. In addition to meeting income requirements, you must also have an account with one of the five participating utility companies (BGE, Delmarva, PE, Pepco and SMECO). If you own your home, you must also be able to prove ownership of your home. If you rent your home, your landlord must be able to prove ownership and agree to participate in the program.
Current Annual Household Income Eligibility Guidelines
SIZE OF
FAMILY UNIT
MAXIMUM ANNUAL HOUSEHOLD INCOME
(200% OF FEDERAL POVERTY LEVEL)
1$22,980
2$31,020
3$39,060
4$47,100
5$55,140
6$63,180
7$71,220
8$79,260
For families with more than 8 persons, add $4,020 for each additional person.

HOW DO I APPLY?

If you are interested, please apply online (coming soon). You may also apply with the local agency for your area. These agencies are listed below.
Local Agencies
COUNTYPHONE NUMBERCOUNTYPHONE NUMBER
Allegany
Allegany Human Resources Development Commission


301-783-1724
HarfordMD Energy Conservation
866-879-2283
Anne Arundel
MD Energy Conservation

866-879-2283
HowardCommunity Action Council of Howard Co.
410-313-6440
Baltimore City
Balto. City Dept of Housing/WAP Program 

443-984-1066
KentUpper Shore Aging
410-778-1799
Baltimore County
Community Assistance Network

410-285-4674
MontgomeryMontgomery Co. Dept. of Housing
240-777-3788
Baltimore County
Diversified Housing Development

410-496-1214
Prince George'sC&O Conservation, Inc.
877-313-9337
Baltimore CountyMD Energy Conservation
866-879-2283
Prince George'sCounty DHCD
301-883-5491
CalvertSo. MD Tri-County Community Action Comm.
301-274-4474
Queen AnneUpper Shore Aging
410-778-1799
CarolineUpper Shore Aging
410-778-1799
St. Mary'sSo. MD Tri-County Community Action Comm.
301-274-4474
CarrollCarroll Co. Citizen Services
410-386-3600
SomersetShore Up! Inc.
410-749-1142
CecilMD Energy Conservation
866-879-2283
TalbotUpper Shore Aging
410-778-1799
CharlesSo. MD Tri-County Community Action Comm.
301-274-4474
WashingtonC&O Conservation
240-313-9337
DorchesterMD Energy Conservation
866-879-2283
WashingtonWashington Co. Community Action Council
301-797-4161
FrederickFrederick Community Action Agency
301-600-2070
WicomicoShore Up! Inc.
410-749-1142
GarrettGarrett Co. Community Action Committee
301-533-9018
WorcesterShore Up! Inc.
410-749-1142

HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?

Once we have determined that your household is eligible to participate in the program, you will be contacted by a local agency that will schedule a time for your home to receive an energy audit. The audit will prioritize the most effective ways to reduce your energy costs while increasing comfort. The local agency will discuss the results of the energy audit with you and schedule a contractor to come out to your home to complete the recommended work. As part of this process, the local agency will ask you to share information on your energy bills and may talk to you about things that you and your family can do to save even more energy. After the energy efficiency upgrades have been made to your home, the local agency will conduct another evaluation of your home to ensure that your home is operating more efficiently.
The program may provide the following improvements to make your home safer, healthier and more energy efficient:
  • Insulation in the attic, floors and walls;
  • Hot water system improvements;
  • Lighting retrofits;
  • Furnace cleaning, tuning and safety repairs;
  • Refrigerator retrofit, if applicable;
  • Health and safety items.

HELPFUL INFORMATION AND OTHER RESOURCES

For More Information, Please Contact:

  • Housing and Building Energy Programs - EmPOWER Low Income Energy Efficiency Program
  • Community Development Administration
  • 100 Community Place
  • Crownsville, MD 21032
  • 1-855-583-8976
  • www.mdhousing.org/EmPOWER