Be SMART Home Efficiency Rebate Program

Homeowner rebate applications and contractor energy audit requests for payment must be received by September 1, 2013 to qualify for this program. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) offers rebates to homeowners for the installation of energy efficiency improvements in single-family and town homes.

The program is limited to energy customers that are not eligible to participate in programs offered under the Empower Maryland initiative by the state's investor-owned utilities and the Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO). This restriction limits eligibility to customers of the state's municipal utilities and remaining cooperative utilities, as well as homeowners with oil and gas heating systems. In order to qualify for incentives, the home must first undergo a comprehensive home energy audit that identifies proposed energy efficiency improvements.

The program incentives include a $300 payment directly to the contractor to defray the cost of the energy audit (the homeowner also pays a $100 fee) and a variety of incentives for building envelope improvements, HVAC improvements, water heaters, and certain appliances. Total incentives are limited to $4,250; however, homeowners may also elect to finance the balance of costs up to $15,000 through the Be SMART Home Efficiency Loan Program. Please see the program web site for additional requirements and application details.