Maryland Efficiency Program Brings Sustainability Home in Annapolis
Cross-posted from SAHF
SAHF’s latest case study, EmPOWER-ing Maryland, explores how thoughtful program design can help state- and utility-funded efficiency programs deliver on their promise of energy efficiency and affordability to more low- and moderate-income households. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) incorporated several best practices in program design that are recommended by SAHF and our partners in its Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability-EmPOWER (MEEHA) program. This makes all the difference for affordable housing providers across Maryland, including SAHF member Homes for America. The MEEHA program empowered Homes for America to prioritize deeper energy efficiency as part of a larger renovation project. For the residents at their Annapolis-based community, the program’s impact was seen almost immediately after the renovations with annual utility bill savings of approximately $250 per unit. By adopting similar program design features, other state- and utility-funded efficiency programs can better support affordable housing providers and the residents they serve across the country.
