Community Action Council of Howard County receives $1.25M through Solar Energy Equity Program

Community Action Council of Howard County is one of four organizations that received a grant through the state’s Solar Energy Equity Program.

The nonprofit agency received a $1.25 million grant from the Maryland Energy Administration.

Gary Christopher, director of weatherization at CAC, said the organization applied for the grant because it lines up with its mission to “diminish poverty and enable self-sufficiency for all Howard County individuals, families and children in need.”

“The folks who are on our weatherization staff are all very passionate about energy savings, decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and improving our environment and [the grant] naturally meshes with our desire to help low-income clients, so it was a natural fit for us,” he said.

Tracy Broccolino, president of CAC, said she hopes the grant will help the organization in its effort to better the community.

“By adding solar, you’re creating this long-term benefit to these households,” she said. “Not only are you reducing their energy costs, but now you’re making this a long-term economic benefit to these families, which is a really nice way to continue our mission to mitigate poverty.”

Gov. Wes Moore announced the grants July 10. In total $6 million was given for new projects to help increase access to clean, renewable energy for Marylanders with low to moderate incomes and who live in underserved or overburdened communities, according to a news release.

“Maryland is leading the way in the transition to clean energy, and we will leave no one behind. We are excited to work alongside all of our partners to invest in communities with the greatest need throughout our state,” Moore said in the release. “These awards will generate new jobs, help families save money, and set Maryland on track to meet our clean energy goals. It isn’t enough for Marylanders to see themselves in the consequences of climate inaction, they must also see themselves in the progress – and that’s what this partnership is about.”

Solar Energy Equity Program grants provide up to $25,000 per qualified household for repairs and solar installations, according to the release. Participating homes must receive an energy audit and significant energy efficiency upgrades.

“The Solar Energy Equity Program works through trusted partners to reach Maryland homeowners who would otherwise be left behind in the push for cleaner energy simply because they couldn’t afford to upgrade their properties,” Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul Pinsky said in the release. “Not only does this program help move more Maryland communities toward cleaner energy, it also provides for home repairs to make solar installations possible, removing a common barrier to the adoption of clean energy. For those looking for proof that Maryland is serious about leaving no one behind on the path to progress, the Solar Energy Equity Program provides clear evidence of our unflagging commitment.”

Other awardees include:

• Building Change, Inc., a Beltsville nonprofit whose mission is to improve the accessibility, comfort, efficiency, health and safety of the built environment, especially for homeowners and families, according to its website. The organization will receive a $2 million grant.
• Civic Works, Inc., a Baltimore nonprofit that works to strengthen its communities through community service, education and skills development, according to its website. The organization will receive a $2.45 million grant.
• Green and Healthy Homes Initiative, a Baltimore organization dedicated to addressing the social determinants of health and racial equity through the creation of healthy, safe and energy efficient homes, according to its website. The organization will receive a $300,000 grant.