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Council adds discussion of pilot to help residents access state energy-efficiency audits and incentives
Summary
A council member proposed a pilot program to subsidize initial home energy audits under Maryland’s Empower program to encourage uptake of energy-efficiency measures; council approved adding the item for future discussion and directed staff to coordinate with the Committee for a Better Environment.
A council member proposed that the city pilot a program to lower the upfront cost barrier for homeowners to access state energy-efficiency incentives (the Maryland Empower program) by subsidizing initial energy-audit fees commonly charged at $100–$150.
The sponsor said audits are the first step homeowners must take to qualify for state and federal incentives and that many residents pay into the statewide fund on utility bills but do not access the benefits. The proposal would author a small, city-funded pilot to reimburse or cover the audit fee and promote program use.
Council members supported adding the item to a future agenda and asked staff to coordinate with the city’s Committee for a Better Environment and the county outreach programs, and to prepare cost estimates and an implementation plan. The item was added for future discussion; staff did not commit to funding tonight.
