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Maryland Department of the Environment | 1800 Washington Boulevard | Baltimore | MD | 21230
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Thursday, November 14, 2013
Recognition of Innovative Stormwater Management
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 |  Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative |  Delmarva Power |  Potomac Edison |  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.
| 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.
| COUNTY | PHONE NUMBER | COUNTY | PHONE 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
- Program Guidance for Network Partners
- 15 Things That Will EmPOWER You To Save Money
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP)
- Office of Home Energy Programs (OHEP)
- Maryland Energy Administration
- MEEHA-EmPOWER
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
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Eco Friendly Financing Options
TAKE A LOOK!
HERE ARE 2 LITTLE KNOWN LOAN PROGRAMS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR JOB EASIER!
(MAKE SURE YOU SCROLL DOWN TO SEE UPCOMING CE CLASSES I AM TEACHING)
#1 FHA ENERGY EFFICIENT MORTGAGE OR FHA EEM
This fantastic FHA loan allows a borrower to finance 100% of the cost of eligible energy efficient improvements into their mortgage ~ up to $8,000 depending on the cost of the home.
FACTS:
· 1-4 unit properties
· Work and installation must be completed within 90 days
· No requirement for additional appraised value to cover EEM and maximum loan limit may be exceeded by amount of improvements
· FHA standard qualifying ratios may be exceeded
· May go above and beyond the $35,000 for 203k streamline
· Requires Home Energy Rating System Report by HERS consultant
ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE:
· Replacing a furnace/cooling system
· Fixing or replacing a chimney
· Insulating an attic, crawl space, and or pipes/air ducts
· Replacing doors and windows
· Installing solar technology
· Water Heaters
· Metal/Asphalt Roofs
Go to links below for more details.
Michael Chelst, Branch Manager, College Park, MD 301-254-7636
Homestead Funding Corp is an FHA/EEM HUD approved lender.
#2 VA ENERGY EFFICIENT MORTGAGE OR VA EEM
This is a little known VA loan that allows borrowers to finance 100% of the cost of eligible energy efficient improvements into their mortgage ~ up to $6,000.
FACTS:
· 1-4 unit properties
· Work and installation must be completed within 90 days
· No requirement for additional appraised value to cover EEM and maximum loan limit may be exceeded buy amount of improvements
· VA maximum loan limit may be exceeded by amount of improvements
· Up to $3,000, no HERS consultant report required
ELIGIBLE IMPROVEMENTS INCLUDE:
· Replacing a furnace/cooling system
· Insufficient insulation
· Replacing doors and windows
· Water Heaters
· Any feature in that home that compromises its Energy Efficiency
Go to links below for more details.
Michael Chelst, Branch Manager, College Park, MD 301-154-7636
Homestead Funding Corp is a direct seller servicer for VA.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Upgrade Your Home with a MD Home Energy Loan Program
http://www.mcecloans.com/
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is partnering with the Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) with support from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop an innovative energy efficiency financing initiative for Maryland property owners.
As part of the Governor’s Smart, Green, and Growing Initiative, the Maryland Home Energy Loan Program (MHELP) will help Marylanders take control of their energy future and stimulate new “green collar” jobs.
This new initiative uses private capital for energy efficiency investment and encourages Marylanders to invest in their homes, reduce their energy bills, support economic development and job creation, and minimize their environmental impact.
There are two interests rates available for eligible consumers. A rate of 6.99% APR is available for consumers completing an energy audit and installing insulation and duct sealing measures. A rate of 9.99% APR is available for consumers completing equipment upgrades only, such as a furnace or HVAC unit that meet MCEC and ENERGY STAR standards.
Click on the Apply Now button below and fill out the requested information to be pre-qualified for MHELP credit.
Limited Time Offer!!!
No payment for 90 days and 12 months no interest!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Support MD Wind Energy Tomorrow
Dear Friend,
February is a time for love and why not share the love for wind this Valentine's Day!! It is because of Marylanders like you that our state is closer than ever to being in the forefront of a new American offshore wind power industry.On Wednesday, we're asking you to come to Annapolis to come show your LOVE for WIND before state lawmakers take critical votes.
Please join us to support Governor O’Malley on Wednesday, February 13th from 11 am-noon in Annapolis. Let's make sure the Maryland General Assembly hears our voices loud and clear -- and passes the 2013 offshore wind power bill.
The Maryland Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on the offshore wind power bill (SB 275) in the afternoon the same day, and will likely vote on the legislation in the next few weeks.The bill is co-sponsored by a majority of the committee members, as well as a majority of the entire senate. But we can't rest on our laurels -- we need to make sure a strong bill passes the finish line without any amendments that weaken it.
So many of you have poured your hearts into this campaign -- from our first town hall meeting in Ocean City in the summer of 2010 to our massive rally in Annapolis last April. You've made calls. You've knocked on doors. You've written letters.
This is it: it’s time to go to Annapolis again and show our elected leaders that your passion for offshore wind continues and that this is the year to finally jump start the state’s offshore wind power industry!
Please RSVP now to join us in Annapolis on February 13th
What: Offshore Wind Rally with Governor O’Malley
Where: Lawyer’s Mall in front of the Maryland State House (100 State Circle, Annapolis, MD)
When: Wednesday, February 13th, 11am – noonWe know why this is so important: The wind blowing off Maryland's Atlantic coast is a vast, untapped energy source. It has the power to provide clean energy, create local jobs, and produce the equivalent of two-thirds of Maryland's current electricity needs. Hoping to see you on Wednesday, February 13th! Show LOVE for WIND!  Rev. Meredith Moise
Off Shore Wind Organizer
This update is brought to you by the Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to maximizing the participation of conservation-minded voters in public policy decisions made at the state and local levels regarding Maryland's environment and natural resources.
Maryland League of Conservation Voters Education Fund
86 Maryland Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 410-280-9855 www.marylandconservation.org
Don't miss out! Add edfundinfo@mdlcv.org to your address book to be sure our email messages make it to your inbox and don't get blocked by spam filters.
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