The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is seeking feedback from contractors, training organizations, labor groups, community-based organizations and other parties that install energy efficiency and electrification measures in residential homes and multifamily buildings. The survey wants to measure Maryland’s applications to Federal programs. The survey deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 28.
The MEA is looking to gauge how Maryland’s efforts apply to three Federal programs on energy efficiency that could best be shaped to maximize benefits for the State. The programs are:
- Home Efficiency Rebates Program
- Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Program
- State-Based Home Energy Efficiency Contractor Training Grant Program (also known as Training for Residential Energy Contractors Grant Program)
The MEA is Maryland's state energy office (SEO). As the SEO for Maryland, MEA will be the recipient for the Home Efficiency Rebates Program (HOMES) and the Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) Program being funded through the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).
The HOMES program is focused on whole-home energy efficiency upgrades. The HEAR program addresses home electrification. The Department of Energy requires that the HOMES and HEAR programs contain dedicated allocations for low-income households. Additionally, the Federal legislation establishing the HEAR electrification program limits electrification incentives to households with incomes that meet the definitions of low-income or moderate-income.
Funding from the HOMES and HEAR programs will help American households save money on energy bills, upgrade to clean energy equipment, improve energy efficiency, improve their comfort, support a stable power grid and reduce indoor and outdoor air pollution. Additionally, the rebates provide specific opportunities to increase the installations of efficient, clean energy equipment in underserved and underrepresented communities.
For more information about the programs, go to https://energy.maryland.gov/Reports/RFI%20for%20DOE%20Inflation%20Reduction%20Act%20Programs.pdf
