No cost energy-saving solutions provided by EmPOWER Maryland.
Repairs and upgrades to a home can significantly reduce energy use throughout the year, potentially giving you a more comfortable home and savings on your utility bills. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s EmPOWER Program helps income qualifying households with installation of equipment and home appliances at no charge.
The program may provide the following improvements to make your home safer, healthier and more energy efficient:
- Insulation in the attic, floors and walls;
- Hot water system improvements;
- Lighting retrofits;
- Furnace cleaning, tuning and safety repairs;
- Refrigerator retrofit, if applicable;
- Health and safety items.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to receive no cost energy efficiency upgrades to your home, you need to:
- Be an eligible utility customer. You must have a utility account with one of six participating utility companies - BGE, Delmarva Power, Potomac Edison, Pepco, SMECO or Washington Gas .
- Meet income qualifications. Your household income needs to be lower than the limits based on household size shown in the table below, or you may be eligible if you receive benefits from programs like SNAP, Medicaid, EUSP, and the Washington Area Fuel Fund.
Household Income Limits for Maryland's EmPOWER Program
Size of Family Unit | Maximum Annual Household Income* |
|---|---|
1 | $68,500 |
2 | $78,250 |
3 | $88,050 |
4 | $97,800 |
5 | $105,650 |
6 | $113,450 |
7 | $121,300 |
8 | $129,100 |
each additional person | add $13,450 |
Accepted as Income-Eligible
If you are currently an eligible participant in one of these programs, you are automatically income-eligible for weatherization services.
Program | EmPOWER |
|---|---|
Utility Bill Pay Assistance through OHEP | Accepted |
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) | Accepted |
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) | Accepted |
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Accepted |
HUD housing assistance programs | Accepted |
Fuel Fund Assistance | Accepted |
DHCD Rehab Programs | Accepted |
Baltimore Lead Hazard Control Program | Accepted |
Medicaid | Accepted |
MEA Energy Equity Grant | Accepted |
MEEHA | Accepted |
Geographical eligibility for certain areas | Accepted |
Updated: 5/08/2024 and Effective 4/01/2024 | *Your total household income must be below the amount listed for the number of residents in your household. Household income includes income from all residents 18 or over, including salaries and wages, retirement income, food stamps and investment income.
Complete an Online Application
If you are currently approved to receive Energy Assistance payments from the Maryland Department of Human Services, you may contact DHCD intake line at 1-855-583-8976.
