Small Town Energy Program (STEP)

  The Small Town Energy Program (STEP) offers guidance and rebates to residents for home energy efficiency measures. Beginning in July 2012, STEP is being offered in College Heights Estates, Hyattsville and Riverdale Park in addition to University Park (where the program was piloted last year as STEP-UP). Residents have a whole-house energy evaluation undertaken and then receive a detailed report, which presents findings and recommendations. The Energy Coach advisor helps participants select eligible contractors, review their report and proposals, choose the applicable incentive program - either the Pepco Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program or DHCD's Be SMART Home Energy Rebate Program – and access the rebates for which they're eligible. This Program is part of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Better Buildings Program. The DOE has awarded over $500 million in federal funds to more than 40 states, local governments, and organizations to administer local programs targeting a variety of building types. Combined, these local programs are expected to improve the efficiency of more than 170,000 buildings through 2013 and save up to $65 million in energy costs annually.