Energy Audit and Improvements Assistance Program

The Town Council recently approved an Energy Audit and Improvements Assistance Program that will reimburse residents for some of the costs associated with obtaining an energy audit and implementing energy efficient home improvements.  The program, proposed by the Town’s Climate Protection Committee, will assist the Town in meeting its goal of reducing CO2 emissions while helping residents save money on their energy bills.  During this fiscal year, which runs until June 30, 2010, the program is available to residents on a first-come, first-served basis.  Residents are encouraged to sign up early.  A registration form is available online or in the Town Office.

Under the program, residents would contact the Town Office to sign up for the program, schedule an energy audit by a certified auditor and submit a paid bill for reimbursement by the Town, along with data from the audit and a list of planned follow-up actions.  The Town will reimburse a resident up to $200 for the cost of the energy audit.  Residents may then implement energy-efficient improvements identified in the audit (any improvements requiring a permit would need to be performed by a licensed Maryland home improvement contractor) and submit a paid bill to the Town for reimbursement.  The Town will reimburse a resident up to $600 for the cost of the improvements, less any reimbursement for the energy audit, if applicable.  As part of this program, a resident would agree to allow the Town to use data, such as energy bills, for calculations of energy savings as part of efforts to reduce Town CO2 emissions.  All personal information would be kpet confidential to protect residents’ privacy.

The Town Council approved $30,000 for this program in this fiscal year.  This cost includes providing maximum reimbursements for up to 50 households or lesser reimbursements for a greater number of households.  For additional details and to sign up for the program, please call the Town Office at 301-654-7144.