The Maryland Energy Administration has announced $1 million in rebates for energy-efficient home improvements through the Maryland Home Performance program.
Homeowners can now reserve rebates for up to 35 percent of the total cost of an energy-efficient project such as attic or wall insulation, up to $3,100. These state rebates can be combined with the 15 percent home improvement rebates offered through the state's five largest utilities as well as federal incentives for additional savings.
Consumers should go to mdhomeperformance.org to find a contractor and determine what improvements they need. Residents could get a home energy audit, which are also eligible for a rebate.
Then they can download an application from energy.maryland.gov to reserve their rebate.
MEA officials expect the average rebate to be about $1,000 and hope to reach as many as 750 residents. The program has no set expiration date; it will continue as long as money is still available.
For homeowners who need financing, they may be eligible for unsecured home loans for up to $20,000 at 6.99 percent through MEA and the Maryland Clean Energy Center.
The money for this program comes from federal stimulus funds originally intended for the Clean Energy Economic Development Initiative program, but state officials couldn't find an eligible candidate for the grant, said MEA spokesman Ian Hines.
An earlier version of this article misstated the maximum rebate homeowners can receive. The Baltimore Sun regrets the error.