* Save energy!
* Lower your bills!
* Get utility assistance!
* Switch to Solar!
* Promote clean energy!
* Live in healthy housing!
Resource Booths at Power in the Park
Click the name of the organization to visit its website.
Information applicable to: Everyone
Resource: Learn how to read your utility bill, identify third-party suppliers, and the rate you are paying for your utility service
Third-party energy supply companies market aggressively to consumers and often leave out the full details of their programs. They sometimes claim consumers will save money by switching to them, but then often increase their rates after the initial trail period. Many consumers end up paying more for the same utility service.
Information applicable to: Anyone with a gas stove
Resource: Sign-ups for in-home fossil gas pollution readings
AIM is a broad-based community power organization rooted in Montgomery
County's neighborhoods and congregations. They are dedicated to making the
county and the state a better place to live and thrive.
Crossroads Community Food Network
Resource: energy saving LED lightbulbs
Crossroads is building a healthier, more inclusive food system in the Takoma/Langley Crossroads. Their work focuses on expanding healthy food access, supporting healthy food choices, and empowering the community. They accomplish these goals through their farmers' market, healthy eating program.
Green and Healthy Homes Initiative
Information applicable to: Everyone
GHHI is a national program dedicated to creating healthy, safe, and energy efficient homes. They use funding from private and public sources to support low-income residents to create healthier environments free of home health hazards.
Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development
Programs available to: Income qualifying residents
Resource: EmPOWER Maryland limited income energy efficiency program application
DHCD helps limited income households make improvements to make their homes safer and to lower home energy usage. Their programs may cover installation of energy efficiency materials (insulation and air sealing) and equipment (hot water systems, furnace installation and cleaning, refrigerator and lighting retrofits) at no charge, depending on existing conditions.
Montgomery County Energy Connection
Programs available to: All Montgomery County residents
Giveaway: Summer Comfort Kit Bags
Montgomery County Energy Connection is a program of the County Government and community partners. It was created to provide customized education on the benefits of energy efficiency, availability of programs, and opportunities for assistance unique to our region.
Programs available to: Income qualifying residents
Resource: Sign-ups for community solar programs
The Montgomery County Green Bank is dedicated to accelerating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy investment in the county. During the event, they will be screening attendees to sign up for community solar.
Office of Home Energy Programs
Programs available to: Income qualifying residents
Resource: OHEP utility assistance applications can be filled out on-site OHEP provides utility bill assistance grants to eligible households. These grants make home energy costs more affordable and prevent the loss of home energy service. Applicants do not need a utility turn-off notice to apply for energy assistance grants Energy assistance will not reduce the amount of any other public assistance benefits you receive, such as TCA, SNAP, or Social Security benefits. This booth also will have information about Maryland's LIHWAP program which offers water bill assistance.
Information applicable to: All Maryland residents
This independent state agency is here to help you with your complex home energy utility issues as well as act as your advocate in utility disputes. The Office of People’s Counsel (OPC) also works to improve utility performance and to protect Maryland residential utility customers from unfair sales practices and
unreasonable rates for services.
Programs available to: Pepco account holders
Giveaways: Energy Efficiency kits with LED bulbs and Sign-ups for Quick Home Energy Checks
PEPCO is a utility company that supplies energy to some communities in Maryland. Through the EmPOWER Maryland programs, if you are a PEPCO account holder, you have a variety of energy efficiency programs available to reduce your home energy use, save money, and make your living spaces more comfortable. Many programs are available at no additional cost.
PEPCO also has many assistance programs for individuals who are having trouble paying their utility bills. They can also provide information about electric vehicles and the solar interconnection process.
Information applicable to: All Maryland residents
The Maryland Public Service Commission ensures that rates, terms, and conditions established for public service companies are just, reasonable, and transparent. They also create standards and policies that protect the safety of the public. They can provide the contact information for their Consumer Affairs Division in case of unresolved issues with your utility company such as billing discrepancies, meter issues, customer service issues, delays in repairs, and service quality issues.
Programs available to: Maryland residents with a utility bill
Resource: Sign-ups for community solar programs
Community solar makes it possible for anyone with an electric bill to access local solar energy, even if you can’t put panels on your rooftop. You subscribe to a “share” in a local and offsite community solar project. Prices associated with these programs are lower than regulated utility rates.
For more information about this event, support accessing energy assistance programs,
or help planning your own Power in the Park, please contact:
Office of Delegate Lorig Charkoudian
lorig.charkoudian@house.state.md.us
410-841-3423 / 301-858-3423
