MEA launching programs dedicated to bringing clean and renewable energy to low-to-moderate income Marylanders

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is proud to offer two complementary programs for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) that will support efforts by organizations working at the local level to access clean energy sources while reducing energy costs experienced by Marylanders with limited income.

The Low-to-Moderate Income Energy Efficiency Grant Program has $6.5 million available for FY22. This competitive grant program supports local governments and nonprofits by funding energy efficiency projects specifically designed to serve low-to-moderate income Marylanders. The program encourages innovative ideas directed at helping communities, neighborhoods, or entire buildings take advantage of economies of scale. 

MEA is also pleased to announce the launch of the FY22 Low-Income Solar Grant Pilot Program. This competitive grant program will provide funding for the design and installation of solar energy systems for single family homes that have participated in an energy audit and weatherization-type energy efficiency upgrades as part of MEA’s Low-to-Moderate Income Energy Efficiency Grant Program. The pilot ’s budget is $500,000. It will fund up to 100% of the solar system design and installation cost, and up to $25,000 per home. This pilot will help MEA identify future program approaches that deliver clean energy in concert with energy efficiency upgrades. 

“MEA understands that low-to-moderate income households are disproportionately impacted by the costs of energy,” said Mary Beth Tung, Director of MEA. “These two new programs, which are hyper-focused on these Maryland communities, seek to pair access to clean and renewable energy with energy efficiency and more.”

Each program will require a separate application. Applications for both programs are due by Monday, November 1, 2021. 

Please contact Dean Fisher, LMI Energy Efficiency Program Manager, at dean.fisher@maryland.gov or (443) 306-8791 or Abigail Antonini, Low Income Solar Program Manager, at abigail.antonini@maryland.gov or (410) 371-6381 with any questions regarding eligibility or requirements.