Programs to Help Pay for Weatherization and Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

Repairs and upgrades to your home can make a big difference in reducing energy use and costs throughout the year. Making sure your home is energy efficient (using less energy to perform a task, such as heating, cooling, dishwashing, etc.) and weatherized (protected from the elements) can give you a more comfortable home, lower monthly energy bills, and improve air quality and your family’s health.

Low-Cost or free programs

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers programs that may provide help with things like insulation, hot water system improvements, heating/cooling repair or replacement, renewable energy systems, and other health and safety enhancements. Many of these programs are available at no out-of-pocket cost to income-eligible individuals, and some of these programs are available regardless of income.

Check to see if you qualify for one or all of these programs.

How to apply for the three programs that are available at no out-of-pocket cost to income-eligible individuals:

The application can be found here.

*If you are already approved to receive Energy Assistance payments from the Maryland Department of Human Services, you can contact DHCD’s intake line at 1-855-583-8976.

For questions or help with the application: Call 1-855-583-8976.

EmPOWER Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program

EmPOWER MD Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program

Once eligibility is determined, the local agency will schedule an energy assessment of your home. If the existing condition of the building permits, 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

Appliance replacements, if applicable

Health and safety items

Eligibility:

Must be a customer at one of the following utility companies: BGE, Delmarva Power, Potomac Edison, Pepco, SMECO, or Washington Gas.

Must meet the income guidelines, found here.

Click here to learn more and apply .

Weatherization Program

Weatherization Assistance Program

Once eligibility is determined, the local agency will schedule an energy assessment for your home. If the existing condition of the building permits, the program may provide the following improvements to make your home safer, healthier and more energy efficient:

Blower door air infiltration reduction

Insulation in the attic, floors, walls

Hot water system improvements

Lighting retrofit

Furnace clean/tune, safety repairs, burner retrofit or replacement

Health and safety items

Eligibility:

Homeowner: Homeowner applicants must be income eligible and able to prove ownership of the housing unit.

Renter: For rental units, landlords must prove ownership and also agree to participate. Tenants of rental units must be income eligible.

Priority is given to eligible applicants who are 60 or older, those with disabilities, families with children,
and households that have high energy usage or high energy burdens (energy burden refers to the proportion of household income that is spent on energy bills).

Must meet income guidelines, found here.

Click here to learn more and apply.

Maryland Energy Assistance Program

Once eligibility is determined, the local agency will schedule an in-home assessment. The program may provide the following improvements to make your home safer, healthier and more energy efficient:

Replacing heating/cooling/water heater systems

Eligibility:

Have a non-functioning heating, cooling, and/or water heating system.

Must meet income guidelines, found here.

Click here to learn more and apply .

Programs to Help Pay for Weatherization and Energy-Efficient Home Upgrades

Low-Cost or free programs

How to apply for the three programs that are available at no out-of-pocket cost to income-eligible individuals:

EmPOWER MD Limited Income Energy Efficiency Program

Weatherization Assistance Program

Maryland Energy Assistance Program

Waste and Fraud

Maryland Office of People's Counsel

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