Thousands of low to moderate income Marylanders are enjoying lower energy bills thanks to energy efficiency projects funded through MEA's FY2017 Clean Energy Communities Low to Moderate Income Grant Program. Competitively awarded grants supported cost-effective energy-efficiency measures from air sealing to HVAC and appliance upgrades, generating cost savings that leave some Maryland's most vulnerable residents with more available income for life's necessities.
#of Grants to non-profits and local
governments org.'s |
Grant Amounts |
Annual Cost Savings |
|---|
The approximately $9 million dispersed in the 2017 program realized significant savings in 2,650 buildings while enabling 95,000 job hours for those involved with installing the energy efficiency measures.
Click to view a complete list of
FY17 Grantee awards and their projects
Please note, the application period for this grant is now closed. The information referenced on this page is here to provide public information.
Center for Urban Families– A commercial building
located in Baltimore City with a mission to “strengthen urban communities by
helping fathers and families achieve stability and economic success” uses an HVAC
controls tune-up, air sealing and insulation, and lighting retrofit measures to
save an anticipated $36,941 and 293,526 kWh in electrical energy in a nine-year
old building.
Talbot Interfaith Shelter – Easton’s only year-round
family shelter utilizes air sealing and insulation, an HVAC tune-up, and
lighting upgrades to improve comfort and reduce extremely high energy bills in
1890’s era home for an estimated annual total of $3,050 in energy savings.
Northwest Townhomes– Unable
to access funding from other programs, the MEA LMI Program was able to provide
funding for much needed cost-effective energy efficiency upgrades in 68
townhomes that will greatly improve health and safety, enable future energy
efficiency upgrades, and generate household energy cost savings that average
$536 annually.
The Preserve at Red Run– To
encourage new construction to install more energy efficient measures the LMI
grant program allows for incremental cost upgrades. Funds from the MEA program
allowed Red Run to use LED lights in all dwelling units and common areas,
install ENERGY STAR® refrigerators and HVAC equipment throughout the project,
maximize the insulation and air sealing, use WaterSense® faucets and showers,
and upgrade to high efficiency windows throughout the project. These incremental
upgrades will pay for themselves in energy savings in just over 2 years.
County Allocated Competitive
This is the original Clean Energy Communities grant program established in 2010. It finances energy efficiency projects that benefit low-to-moderate income Marylanders. Grant funds will be awarded competitively within the applicant pool for each respective county.
Statewide Competitive
This program began in 2014 and also finances energy efficiency projects that benefit low-to-moderate income Marylanders. However, this platform seeks innovative ideas directed at improving buildings, neighborhoods or entire communities while achieving economies of scale through larger projects to serve more low-to-moderate income Maryland households. Grant funds will be awarded competitively across the entire state.
Energy efficiency measures implemented by non-profits and local governments that benefit low-to-moderate income Maryland households are eligible.
For more information, consult the Application Instructions (see How do I apply?).
All construction activities must be completed by April 1, 2018 with all invoices and project reports submitted to MEA no later than May 1, 2018.
County Allocated Competitive
Up to $5 million is available in this platform. See the Instructions (under “How do I apply?”) for each Maryland county’s (or county equivalent’s) allocation of Clean Energy Communities grant funds based on the number of low-to-moderate income households.
Statewide Competitive
Up to $5 million is available in this platform. MEA anticipates awarding grants ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000, depending on the merits of the specific proposed project.
MEA recommends that all applicants participate in one of the following conference calls for details on the Clean Energy Communities Low-to-Moderate Income Grant Program:
- Wednesday, December 7, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
- Monday, December 12, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
To reserve your place, please RSVP to Dean Fisher or Brandon Bowser. Conference call dial-in information will then be emailed to you.
Monthly Energy Metrics Worksheet
If selected for an award, Grantees will be required to complete a monthly energy metrics worksheet. The information submitted on this worksheet will enable MEA to estimate the energy savings associated with each project and count these energy savings towards the state's energy goals. Prior to applying, MEA recommends that each applicant review the 
Monthly Energy Metrics Worksheet to fully understand the energy reporting requirements of this grant program.
DHCD 2015 Income Limits
State of Maryland 2016 Income and Rent Limits
Additional Information
Please submit your questions about the EmPOWER Clean Energy Communities Low-to-Moderate Grant Program to Dean Fisher (410) 537-4068 or Brandon Bowser (410) 537-4000.
Get more information about our past cycles of this program.
LMI 2016LMI 2015LMI 2014
