Tag Archive: residential
Buying green electricity for your home
An important way to combat climate change is to switch our electricity supply to “green” electricity (generated from wind- and solar-powered sources, both of which do not emit carbon dioxide).
Volunteer Champions: The Lewy Family
The Lewy Family was recognized as Volunteer Family of the Year during DEP’s 20th Annual Recycling Achievement Ceremony. Find out more about The Lewy Family in our series,
Energy and partnerships…what’s the connection?
This blog post was written by DEP’s Residential Energy Program Manager, Larissa Johnson, and originally appeared on the BOOST Breakfast Club blog. There’s something you need to know about me,
What you should consider when adding battery storage
The following blog was reposted with permission from Solar United Neighbors: One of the most common questions we receive is “how can I add battery storage to my solar array?”
This holiday season, gift outside the box!
The act of giving is one of the best traditions of the holiday season. It builds bonds and shows your loved ones how you care for them. Unfortunately, the way
Partners in Energy: Jordan Leonard
One person can make a difference and this series profiles a leader, advocate, or resident who is dedicated to improving energy efficiency and helping the county realize its goal to
Cold weather collaboration with Manna
As temperatures drop, it unfortunately becomes harder for many people to keep themselves comfortably warm, even in their own homes. A new area partnership aims to help eliminate that reality
Two years of the Residential Energy Program!
Watt’s Up with Montgomery County’s Residential Energy Program? In 2016, the Residential Energy Program launched. After 2 years, it is well on its way to energy and greenhouse gas
Buying green electricity for your home
An important way to combat global warming is to switch our electricity supply to “green” electricity (generated from wind- and solar-powered sources, both of which do not emit carbon dioxide).
Community Solar is now available for Marylanders
Montgomery County residents finally have the chance to take part in the new Maryland community solar program and be part of the newest, most innovative solar industry development. Community solar
Trying to be rational in an irrational world
Think about the last time you went looking for a new car. What did you look for? You probably started with your needs for the vehicle and the style of
Show your air conditioner a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Failed air conditioning on a scorching day can turn summer bliss into a sweaty nightmare. Here are do-it-at-home tips that may help lower your utility bill, save energy and avoid costly
Your Story: Homeowner navigates the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program
Interested in lowering your home’s energy bill? Take advantage of your utilities’ Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program. If you are new to this program, view our recent blog on
From energy audit to energy savings
Who doesn’t dread the day the energy bill arrives? For homeowners, the arrival of the energy bill can send blood pressure through the roof, especially if they own an older
DYK: You can choose your energy supplier in Maryland?
It is very common for Montgomery County residents to think that their only choices for an energy supplier are Pepco, Potomac Edison, or BGE. In reality you have many more
Gaithersburg: Partner in Energy
At DEP, we truly believe that our partners are key to making Montgomery County as green as it can be. This “Partners in Energy” series profiles a local leader, advocate,
Audit Success: One church’s assessment leads to cost and energy savings
Energy efficiency is as important to financial bottom lines as it is to helping the environment. Utility costs are the largest unfixed expense for most businesses, including nonprofit organizations. When
Saving dollars and watts: Highlights from Energy Action Month
One month ago, Montgomery County Council proclaimed October “Energy Action Month” in Montgomery County, as part of the national effort to raise awareness about energy. Here at the Department of
Go solar! Join the second County-wide Solar Co-op
Montgomery County residents are invited to joined the second County-wide Solar Co-op. Why join a Co-op? Co-op members leverage bulk-purchasing power to get discounted pricing and a quality installation, while
Montgomery County signs the Under2 Memorandum of Understanding to address climate change
This week, Montgomery County Government became the first county in the nation to join the Subnational Global Climate Leadership (“Under2”) Coalition. The coalition is an international pact of cities, states
There’s a way to make your home more energy efficient…for free!
Did you know that there’s an organization in Montgomery County that offers safe and healthy home repairs at no cost to the recipient? There is and the organization is called
October is Energy Action Month!
In Montgomery County, we celebrate Energy Action Month by sharing easy tips to help residents and businesses save energy and money. TIP 1: Make a COUNTER argument Most of
Getting on the “Energy Express” with Montgomery County Public Libraries this summer
This summer, DEP is partnering with Montgomery County Libraries to help kids “Build a Better World/Construye un Mundo Mejor.” Every summer there is a different theme for the summer reading
Montgomery County Green Bank names Tom Deyo as first CEO
The Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Green Bank (MCGB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tom Deyo as the first Chief Executive Officer of the Montgomery County
Montgomery County declares “We Are Still In” on Paris Agreement
On June 5th, County Executive Ike Leggett joined more than 1,000 U.S. governors, county executives, mayors, businesses, investors, and colleges and universities in declaring their support for U.S. leadership in
One family’s story of making home renovations more energy efficient
Our family moved from central Pennsylvania to Montgomery County in 1998. Like many relocating families, our first priorities were access to work and schools, not energy efficiency. Our new house
Too good to be true: Know your consumer rights about solar energy
Most solar energy installers are skilled and effective professionals. But if problems arise, Montgomery County residents have a strong ally on their side. When it comes to preventing problems between
My Green Montgomery Episode 8
In this episode of My Green Montgomery, hosted by Susan Stark, we’re going to see how the Montgomery County green business certification program has expanded, find out where you can
Parklets and more: learning from the New Partners for Smart Growth conference
At the beginning of February 2017, the Residential Energy Program Manager, Larissa Johnson, attended the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference in St. Louis to share her experiences hosting outreach
Celebrating the success of the first Countywide solar co-op
In MD SUN‘s first attempt at creating a county-wide solar co-op, the Montgomery County Solar Co-op made history. It is the largest single co-op in the Community Power Network! Congratulations to
Behind the scenes of a Quick Home Energy Check-up
Are you looking for quick, easy, no-cost ways to save energy in your home? A Quick Home Energy Check-up (QHEC) is your answer. Cabin John resident, Jamie Pierce, made her
Introducing the County’s Residential Energy Program!
The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection has a new Residential Energy Program and a new program manager to go along with it, Larissa Johnson! Larissa was on the Did
Become more environmentally friendly this holiday season!
If you asked me what my priorities are for this holiday season, chances are high that my answer would include being productive, staying healthy, and enjoying time with my family
County resident makes green upgrades part of retirement preparation
When Tom Ripp began planning his retirement, he didn’t start with stocks or bonds or downsizing. He started with sustainability. For this 55-year-old Gaithersburg resident, who currently works part-time as
Energy Tips for Fall
With the days becoming chillier, fall is the perfect time to become more energy efficient. Here are some helpful hints to keep your electricity bills low this season and make
In Maryland, switching to green power is like flipping a switch
The idea—use green energy—is simple. The process is a little more complex. But it’s not as hard as it might seem. There are plenty of resources—all of them free of
Greening townhouses with a top-down approach
David Marcus doesn’t just own a townhouse. He also knows how it works. In summer 2015, Marcus and his wife bought a townhome in Takoma Park. But well before that,
Join the Montgomery County Solar Co-op!
Montgomery County residents are invited to joined the first County-wide solar co-op. Participants can save money and make going solar easier, and at the same time increase the network of solar supporters.
Want to go solar? One resident examines the options
On February 15th, 2016, fellow co-op members Thomas Wellems and Marilyn Powell (pictured in the image above) became the 27th household of the Rockville Solar Co-op to see electricity generated from the sun via rooftop
Healthy Home Study Examines Indoor Air Quality and Childhood Asthma
Apply to participate in a new study about improving asthma symptoms in children. The National Center for Healthy Housing has opened a new study that examines the link between enhancing
Lighting up your home with LED light bulbs
We rely on lights in our homes for plenty of purposes—task lighting to finish up homework, outdoor flood lights to see at night, or a fancy chandelier to enjoy a
Weatherize your home to save energy before Old Man Winter arrives!
Weather-proofing your home can save on energy bills, make your home more comfortable, and improve indoor air quality all year round.
Energy case study: Poolesville home goes solar
There’s a time and a place for everything. If you listen to Joyce Breiner and David Yaney, the time for solar is now.
Net-zero energy homes: Yesterday’s dream, today’s reality
The terms “energy independence”, “off-the-grid”, and “net-zero energy” tend to summon images of a rural setting where being off-the-grid simply fits the picture of remoteness and self-sufficiency. Today, however, that landscape is
Save energy by having fun! Tips for an energy-smart 2015
Thinking about all of those resolutions you’ve committed to in 2015? Energy Planner Michelle Vigen gives us a few ideas for unconventional ways to be energy-smart in the new year!
The new home energy reports: How do you rank?
“I got TWO smiley faces!” “What?! I only got one!” Have you had a conversation like this yet? This is what I overheard in my office recently as two of
Don’t be a grasshopper: 5 tips to prepare your home for winter
No one wants to be like the Grasshopper from Aesop’s Fable and be unprepared when winter arrives. Read these winterizing tips and don’t get caught in the cold!
The hippest energy happenings: Metro DC Solar Homes Tour
Joyce Breiner is back this week with a new guest blog focusing on the annual Metro DC Solar and Green Homes Tour!
