$4 Million Dedicated by Governor Moore for Comprehensive Energy Efficiency Retrofits Pilot Program

Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has launched a $4 million program to improve the energy efficiency of nearly 300 homes. This new initiative combines the efforts of the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development’s existing energy-saving and rehabilitation programs. The aim is to help homes that have been unable to upgrade due to health and safety issues.

Governor Moore expressed that the program was important for reaching residential energy efficiency goals and tackling climate change challenges.

The initiative will increase the number of homes in Maryland eligible for energy efficiency aid. Currently, health and safety issues prevent 38% of homes from benefiting from such programs. The counties of Allegany, Garrett, Howard, and St. Mary’s, along with the cities of Frederick and Baltimore, are set to receive these funds.

Housing Secretary Jake Day emphasized the role of the program in making homes safer and more energy-efficient, helping homeowners live more comfortably and healthily.

To streamline the process, grants have been given to areas that already conduct energy-efficiency work, so home repairs can be made smoothly. The department has also reorganized two of its rehabilitation programs to address repairs more efficiently and directly.

Lastly, the pilot program will help use funds from the department’s Weatherization Assistance Program, which has received a large grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. This additional funding should expand the reach of the program to more homes in Maryland.

For more details, visit the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Energy Efficiency program webpage.