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The County is using Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funds for seven programs to accelerate the adoption of energy efficiency and renewable energy in County, commercial, and residential buildings. The objectives of these programs are to reduce energy consumption, create jobs, and expand the market for energy-related services and products.
1. Residential Rebate
2. Commercial/Multi-Family Building Energy Efficiency Rebate
3. Workforce Development
4. Energy Education
5. Renewable Energy/Conservation in County Buildings
6. Commercial and Multi-Family Building Study
7. Opportunity Housing
Background
Montgomery County received over $7.6 million in stimulus funding as part of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). The Department of Energy’s Energy Solutions Center Project Map offers more information about projects being funded by ARRA and EECBG. Learn more about other ARRA-funded County initiatives.
Residential Rebate
The Residential Rebate Program provides incentives for comprehensive home improvement projects to single family homes and individual condominium units. The program provides up to $3,000 in incentives for improvements such as insulation, heating and cooling, solar water heating and appliances. The incentives can be combined with those from utilities and other sources. In order to be eligible each homeowner must obtain a professional energy audit and a scope of work from a contractor. The application is online, and is currently available. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Commercial and Multi-family Building Energy Efficiency
The commercial and multi-family energy efficiency rebate assisted businesses, non-profits and congregations with overcoming the initial financial barrier of implementing energy improvements. The rebate program was intended to “jumpstart” projects by providing a cost shared rebate that is complimentary to utility incentives. Due to high demand, all funding has currently been allocated to over 40 projects across the community.
The program covered the lesser of 50% of the cost of qualified energy efficiency improvements or $75,000 per recipient. Eligible improvements included cost-effective energy conservation measures such as lighting upgrades, heating and cooling upgrades, cool roofing materials, energy management systems and ENERGY STAR qualified equipment. Read archived information about this program.
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Workforce Development
Through a partnership between the Department of Economic Development and Montgomery Works, the County is launching two workforce development programs to train and certify individuals in the energy efficiency arena.
1. The Energy and Green Technology Skills Enhancement Program will increase the skills of new entrants as well as incumbent workers in growing County businesses related to energy efficiency and renewable energy. Workers and businesses can choose from a list of approved, eligible trainings such as certified solar installer through the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners, or building analyst training through the Building Performance Institute. Businesses will receive a grant for employees that successfully complete the trainings.
2. The Building Energy Managers program will provide commercial businesses and property management firms an opportunity to train a dedicated energy manager for their existing facilities. This program will update the skills of new and incumbent facility managers to manage building energy use in day-to-day operations. Attendees will receive a transferable credential such as a nationally recognized certification, or a recognized Community College certificate.
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Energy Education
There is substantial evidence that suggests programs and policies are far more effective when they are coupled with education and outreach programs. Montgomery County will use a portion of the EECBG funds for energy education, and all programs will be designed to leverage other educational resources, including utility-based programs and activities.
1. The forthcoming "Green Guide” Web site will serve as a one-stop-shop for environmental information on programs and resources available to Montgomery County residents, and tips and actions that help reduce energy consumption, water use and waste. The Green Guide will have extensions to help engage the community and encourage local champions.
2. The Montgomery County Green Business Certification Program certifies and recognizes businesses in the County for their environmental achievements. The County will use its existing infrastructure and contracts to deliver verifications for 50 to 60 additional businesses.
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Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy in County Buildings
Funds will be used to make energy efficient and renewable energy upgrades to County government buildings, as well as buildings owned by the Montgomery County Public Schools, the Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission, and Montgomery College.
Commercial and Multi-family Building Study
Energy consumption in the commercial sector is on the rise. Without significant energy improvements, these buildings’ greenhouse gas emissions will soon exceed those of the residential sector. Recommendation EEC-3 of the Montgomery County Climate Protection Plan (2009) calls for the development of specific energy performance requirements and time lines to benchmark, commission and improve new and existing commercial buildings and reduce energy consumption in this sector by 25% by 2020. The results of this study will be used to develop targeted policies and programs that can be adopted by Montgomery County in order to reach the energy reduction target as specified in the Climate Protection Plan.
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Opportunity Housing
The Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission develops affordable housing for low and middle income residents. The Commission has deployed energy efficiency measures via performance contracts and other mechanisms, and the County will support these efforts by upgrading 45 to 50 units. Each retrofit will include a high-quality energy audit to identify the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures. After installation, the property management staff and residents will be informed about the upgrades to help ensure the benefits of the improvements are realized.
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EECBG Business Opportunities
Most EECBG funds granted to County Agencies will expand upon existing contractual relationships due to the tight timeframes involved in deploying projects. However, as County agencies finalize their plans some opportunities may emerge. Interested service and product providers (SPPs) should register with the Montgomery County Central Vendor Registration System to ensure that they receive notices of relevant solicitations. Each agency receiving funding will make decisions regarding vendor selection for their projects.
SPPs interested in providing services to other recipients under programs such as the Residential Rebate or the Commercial & Multi-Family Rebate Program may want to partner with grant applicants directly, as each rebate recipient will be responsible for selecting their own vendors. Rebate applicants are often referred to lists of certified auditors and contractors under the Maryland Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program or trade ally lists maintained by the electric utilities (e.g., Pepco, Allegheny or BG&E) under the EmPower Maryland Program. SPPs may want to ensure they are registered with these programs as appropriate.
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