RESIDENTIAL: Energy Express is a summer event for kids and families to learn about energy usage. And for the first time since 2019, it is happening IN PERSON! Set sail on a treasure hunt towards energy savings with this year’s Summer Reading theme, “Oceans of Possibilities.” On board, our young crewmates will explore different energy sources and make smart decisions to power our ship (and our homes). Our adventure will be led by high school students from the P.O.W.E.R (Peer Outreach With Energy Resources) program who have worked all year to prepare this interactive energy story.

RESIDENTIAL: As the days get warmer, we want to remind you that your thermostat setting is important. ENERGY STAR,  a program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, said people should set their thermostat to 78 degrees when they are home and need cooling in an effort to save energy during the spring and summer.

The best way to do that is with a programmable thermostat which can purchase from your utilities’ marketplace! Did you know that these existed? There is one for Pepco, BGE, and Potomac Edison – and not only are the devices less expensive to purchase but the rebate is taken off instantly – no waiting for a check or anything!

RESIDENTIAL: Residents of Takoma Park can now borrow a portable induction cooktop to see what all the hype is about. Cooktops are available to check out, for up to two weeks. The City encourages the use of induction cooktops to meet our 2035 net-zero emissions goals. Induction stoves, unlike gas stoves, use electricity (learn how to get 100 percent renewable electricity) and emit no on-site greenhouse gases. A reduction in the level of greenhouse gases is beneficial not just for the City’s climate goals, but also for your respiratory health. Prolonged exposure to indoor air pollution, especially emissions related to cooking, can worsen asthma in those who have the disease and increase the risk of childhood asthma. You can call 301-891-7633 to check if a cooktop is available or join the waiting list for one.

RESIDENTIAL: When is it right to get a Dehumidifier? Humidity may be good to help keep your curly hair curly, but it is not good for your home! As you probably know, absolute humidity levels change along with the temperature and seasons. In the summer, the air contains more moisture, and in the winter, it contains much less moisture. Research shows that the ideal relative humidity for your home is between 40%-60%. However, to discourage the growth and spread of mold, levels should be kept below 50%. But, again, adjust this to match your comfort levels.

When the humidity is too high in your home, you’re probably going to notice the effects. Check out ENERGY STAR to find dehumidifier right for you. Through the  EmPOWER Maryland program, you can also receive rebates up to $30 for ENERGY STAR dehumidifiers. Check with BGE and Pepco for those rebates. 

COMMERCIAL: Looking for a quick and easy way to reduce energy in your buildings this summer? Building Tune-up, a program of EmPOWER Maryland, ensures your equipment is operating at peak performance, helping you conserve energy, save money, and extend the life of existing equipment. Shan Gordon from MD Energy Savers shared some quick tips in this blog post. 

COUNTY: Maryland’s First Comprehensive Building Decarbonization Legislation was introduced at the County Council on June 14. The bill aims to accelerate an evolution already underway across the country and right here in Montgomery County of the building sector moving towards 100% electric-powered systems. Instead of systems that rely on the combustion of fossil fuels (e.g., natural gas furnaces and boilers), fully electric buildings take advantage of market-available technologies (e.g., heat pumps, electric water heating, electric cooking) that are cleaner, more energy-efficient, and cost-effective. The bill does not itself create the all-electric standards but codifies a process for when they must be issued and sets framework around inclusions and exemptions. The legislation requires the all-electric standards for new construction and major renovations to be developed during the next building code adoption cycle and to be issued by January 1, 2024. All-electric building standards are a crucial step for the County to achieve its zero-greenhouse gas emissions goal through ensuring future construction is electrified.