Applied Energy Group Check Presentation: Jim Purcell, Empowerment Grant Director of Funds and Programs; Christina Stanley, Milford Housing Development Corporation Vice President, Bahareh Van Boekhold, Applied Energy Group Program Manager; Drew Slater, Division of the Public Advocate; Tammy Baynum, Milford Housing Development Corporation; James Barret, Milton Landing Property Manager; Haly Laasme, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services

Delmarva Power Merger Funds-Empowerment Grant expand successful low-moderate income HVAC rebate for two more low-moderate income rental properties

Dover, DE— The Empowerment Grant Program (EGP) which Energize Delaware proudly developed administered, has now awarded $4 million in energy efficiency grants for underserved communities in all three counties. One of the largest grants supports a manufactured housing skirting program operated by Sussex County Habitat for Humanity. The funding of the Empowerment Grant were made possible by the merger between Exelon Power and Delmarva Power in Delaware, and authorized by the Delaware Public Service Commission. For more information about the Empower Grant program with Delmarva Power, and what has been funded, please visit us at www.empowergrantde.org.

“We learned a lot over the past two years about uncertainty and how fragile our community can be during crisis moments,” said Jim Purcell, Empowerment Grant Manager. “The Empowerment Grant provided relief and provided hope to many looking to save on energy costs, while at the same time reducing the carbon footprint in our communities.”

The Empowerment Grant proudly renewed funding to Applied Energy Group (AEG) to continue Low to Moderate Income (LMI) HVAC Rebates for rental properties. AEG’s extension of the LMI HVAC Rebate for Rental Units pilot expands the rebate program to more LMI properties. AEG’s partner, Milford Housing Development Corporation (MHDC), enrolled two more properties, Savannah West Apartments and Milton Landing, in the Delmarva Power territory. The grant extension also features free in-unit direct install of LED lightings and low-flow devices to increase energy and bill savings at all participating properties. All five enrolled properties serve tenants at or below 60% AMI.

“This Delaware Empowerment Grant Pilot is modeled after the best national energy efficiency programs for LMI rental properties. We worked with our partners to offer low-cost energy efficiency upgrades directly benefiting tenants. All 232 units in five participating properties will receive a free assessment and direct install measures,” said Bahareh van Boekhold, Program Manager with AEG.  “This work will result in renter utility bills savings of estimated $59-$177 per year.” She added.

Efficient Home LLC, a trusted LMI auditor and direct install expert, is the direct install subcontractor for delivering the audit and free DI measures. The DE Empowerment Grant allowed the piloting of a national best practice offering in Delaware.

For more information about the Energy Equity Fund and Empowerment Grant Program, please contact Jim Purcell, Director of Funds and Programs or visit our website at www.energyequityfund.org

About Energize Delaware

Energize Delaware is a unique non-profit that helps Delawareans save money through clean energy and energy efficiency. Our myriad programs provide energy education and financial incentives to Delaware homeowners, businesses, non-profits, state agencies, farms, houses of worship, local government and schools. Find a program to fit your needs at www.EnergizeDelaware.com.

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