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?
• AM I ELIGIBLE?
• HOW DO I APPLY?
• HOW DOES THE PROGRAM WORK?
• HELPFUL INFORMATION AND OTHER RESOURCES

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.

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

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

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.

www.hud.gov

http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/bldrs_lenders_raters/EEM_Fact_Sheet.pdf

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.

http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans

http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=mortgages.energy_efficient_mortgages

Michael Chelst, Branch Manager, College Park, MD 301-154-7636

Homestead Funding Corp is a direct seller servicer for VA.

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!

The Maryland Home Energy Loan Program (MHELP) is brought to you through theMaryland Clean Energy Center.

1212 West Street, Suite 200
Annapolis, MD 21401
443-949-8505

 http://www.mdcleanenergy.org/
© 2013 Maryland Clean Energy Center – Clean Energy Loan Program
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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 – noon We 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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NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION TO RESTORE THE CHESAPEAKE BAY

NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION TO RESTORE THE CHESAPEAKE BAY      Your Opinion Counts   Maryland's Final Watershed Implementation Plan (WIP) is almost complete.  Bay watershed states, including Maryland, are required to reduce the amount of nutrients and sediment that currently enter the Bay under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The TMDL represents the maximum amount of nutrients and sediment that the Bay can receive and still maintain the water quality necessary for a healthy environment. One of the key components of the plan is to adopt policies and procedures to offset new pollutant loads in the future. Because population growth and new development add to the load, Maryland is committed to having a growth offset process in place by 2013. We want to hear from you on this important issue. MDE has planned a series of public meetings throughout the State to present the Accounting for Growth draft policy to you. The document sets out Maryland's proposed plan for managing the pollution from growth, residential and nonresidential.  Come to a public meeting and share your ideas and opinions. And spread the word about these meetings to friends, colleagues or anyone who might be interested in having a say on this issue.The proposal will be adjusted and refined as stakeholders, citizens and State agencies share ideas. Comments on the draft should be submitted in writing to the Maryland Department of the Environment no later than October 1, 2012, by email (preferred) to:afg@mde.state.md.us or by post to: Paul Emmart, Maryland Department of the Environment, 1800 Washington Boulevard, Baltimore MD 21230-1718. MDE will consider all the comments received as the Department prepares the draft regulations, which will be subject to a public process before promulgation.  For questions or additional information about the meetings, contact Nancy Nunn at 410-827-8056, ext. 128or nnunn@umd.edu. Public Meeting Dates:    Tuesday, July 24, 2012 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Hagerstown Hotel & Convention Center 1910 Dual Highway Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 Tuesday, July 31, 2012 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Baltimore County Center for Maryland Agriculture 1114 Shawan Road Cockeysville, Maryland 21030 Thursday, August 2, 2012 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Washington College, Hodson Hall, Hyson Lounge 300 Washington Avenue Chestertown, Maryland 21620 Wednesday, August 22, 2012 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m. Gudelsky Environmental Education Center 1020 Old Frederick Road Woodstock, Maryland 21163 Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Maryland Department of the Environment 1800 Washinton Boulevard Baltimore, Maryland 21230   Keep up with MDE  public meeting dates at:    www.mde.state.md.us

Forward this email This email was sent to angelsbrown@gmail.com by mde_secretary@mde.state.md.us |   Instant removal with SafeUnsubscribe™ | Privacy Policy. Maryland Department of the Environment | 1800 Washington Boulevard | Baltimore | MD | 21230

Climate Change Affects Us All

CLIMATE CHANGE AFFECTS US ALL: HERE'S YOUR CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.    Maryland Department  of the Environment 1800 Washington Boulevard Baltimore, Maryland 21230 www.mde.state.md.us   Keep up with MDE  public meeting dates at:          Public Meeting Dates: Tuesday, July 17, 2012 - 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Silver Spring Public Library 8901 Colesville Road Silver Spring, Maryland 20910 Contact: Keith Harrington, 240-396-1985   Thursday, July 19, 2012 - 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. College Park City Hall 4500 Knox Road College Park, Maryland 20740 Contact: Chris Hill, Sierra Clubchris.hill@sierraclub.org Your Opinion Counts The Maryland Department of the Environment is seeking your thoughts on the 2011 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act Draft Plan - Maryland's strategy for addressing climate change. In keeping with requirements of Maryland law, MDE has drafted a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020. The final plan is to be submitted in December. Stakeholder input is critical to the process - and we're all stakeholders. Maryland is the third most vulnerable state to sea level rise, one of the major consequences of climate change. Rising sea levels, along with increased storm intensity, could have devastating and far-reaching environmental and economic impacts on the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and the quality of life Marylanders currently enjoy. The draft plan includes 65 control measures to address the potential impact of climate change. The law also requires the actions in the plan to have a positive impact on job creation and to contribute to Maryland's economy. The draft plan will create 36,000 jobs and have a $6 billion economic benefit to our state's economy. We want to hear from you on this important issue. Come to a public meeting and share your ideas and opinions. And please spread the word about these meetings to any members of your group, your friends or anyone who might be interested in having a say on this issue.

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Pepco Offers $50 reward for appliance recycling

My EnergyGram

$50 reward for appliance recycling - ContinuedIf you are a Maryland Pepco residential customer and have an old refrigerator or freezer in your home, we'll come pick it up at no additional cost. The refrigerator, freezer and/or room air conditioner must be empty, plugged in and in working (cooling) condition at the time of pickup. Room air conditioners must be removed from windows prior to pickup. Older refrigerators and freezers typically use 75 percent more energy than the newer ENERGY STAR®models. By recycling your old working fridge or freezer, you can save up to $150 a year in future energy costs. The average refrigerator 10 years old or older contains about 159 pounds of steel, 75 pounds of plastic and 10 pounds of glass. Recycling with us ensures sustainable handling of these materials and reduces the need for landfills. To schedule a pickup, call 877-395-5540 or visit pepco.com/ApplianceRecycling.