Montgomery County’s Department of Environmental Protection will celebrate October as ‘Energy Action Month’ with programs and events that can help save energy and money

Theo tin quận Montgomery

For Immediate Release: Friday, September 28, 2018 Montgomery County and its Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will celebrate October as “Energy Action Month” with programs and events that can help residents and businesses save energy and money. Energy Action Month is a program started by the federal government in 1990 to promote sustainability and energy efficiency, while encouraging the smart use of energy, water, and transportation resources. The program is designed to increase attention to energy use and to develop energy efficient behaviors that will continue throughout the year. This will be the third year that Montgomery County has joined the effort. Montgomery County will be celebrating the month with programs to encourage residents and businesses to take action to reduce their energy consumption and prepare for winter months when bills can increase significantly. Among the energy-saving actions DEP is encouraging residents to pursue are scheduling a “Quick Home Energy Checkup” with their respective utility company, performing heating system maintenance, and upgrading inefficient appliances. The County has scheduled the following activities that residents can attend to improve their energy efficiency: Books and Bulbs Events at County Public Libraries Books and Bulbs are free events where County residents bring their old, inefficient light bulbs and trade them for free for up to three LED bulbs, a kids’ activity book, and a reusable bag. County staff will collect the old incandescent or CFL light bulbs and properly dispose of them. Books and Bulbs Events at County Public Libraries: – Twinbrook Library: 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2. – Connie Morella Library in Bethesda: 3-5 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10. – Damascus Library: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 13. – Maggie Nightingale Library in Poolesville: 4-6 p.m. on Monday, October 15. – Marilyn J. Praisner Library in Burtonsville: 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, October 18. – White Oak Library: noon–2 p.m. on Saturday, October 27. Energy Presentations at County Senior Centers DEP will host presentations at County Senior Centers to share information on energy conservation, efficiency, and renewable energy options. These will be interactive presentations and participants will leave with an energy saving measure. – Margaret Schweinhaut Senior Center in Silver Spring: 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 10. – Long Branch Senior Center: 11 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, October 15. – White Oak Senior Center: 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, October 16. – Damascus Senior Center: 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 17. Home Comfort with Manna DEP is working with the Rockville-based Manna Food Center, which is dedicated to eliminating hunger in Montgomery County, to bring “Home Comfort Kits” to Manna program participants. According to a study by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, the median low-income household’s energy burden was more than twice as high (7.2 percent) than the median energy burden of all households (3.5 percent), and three times greater than higher income households (2.3 percent). Home Comfort Kits help residents lower their energy bills by 20 percent or more, reduce drafts, and increase personal comfort. DEP staff will be visiting all Manna distribution sites this fall to distribute Home Comfort Kits. The Home Comfort Kit distribution schedule is available on the Manna website at mannafood.org. Incentives and Rebates for Businesses Businesses and building owners also are encouraged to participate in Energy Action Month. Visit montgomerycountymd.gov/green/energy/business.html for information on programs available to businesses. They also can contact their utility company to learn about EmPOWER Maryland incentives and rebates. For more information on Energy Action Month, visit mygreenmontgomery.org/energy. For tips and stories on saving energy, visit mygreenmontgomery.org. # # # Release ID: 18-687 Media Contact: Jessica Jones 240-777-7753

https://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail.aspx?Item_ID=22456]]>