Comparison of EmPOWER and GHGRP Programs

Applications are accepted on an on-going basis and evaluated based on readiness to proceed, energy savings, and reduction of greenhouse gasses. The funding process consists of the following steps. 

1. Submit application and application documents
2. Commission energy auditor to complete energy audit
3. Energy auditor enters measures into MINT software to request funding
4. Execute Funding Agreement
5. Install Funded Measures
6. Requisition for Funds

The funding process starts by submitting an application​​ through the online portal and uploading the required application documents. ​The application will be reviewed and approved by a program team member who will contact the applicant to discuss the next steps in the funding process. 

Applicants must submit supporting documentation to the Department as outlined on the application. The following is the list of documents required to be submitted prior to funding: 

• Projects seeking MEEHA funding in addition to Rental Lending Financing only need to provide a copy of the project’s 202 Application.
• Projects seeking MEEHA funding only:
1. Grantee Signature Block
2. Grantee Notice Address
3. SDAT Property Ownership Check
4. SDAT Status Check (Owner)
5. SDAT Status Check​​ (Grantee – if different from owner)
6. Minority Business Enterprise Form
7. ACH Direct Deposit Form​ - must be submitted to the Comptroller of Maryland​
   
8. W-9 Form (for the Grantee)
• Additional documents needed for EmPower funded projects:
1. Commercial Utility Bill (Electric and Gas if Applicable)
2. Customer Consent to Obtain Energy Use Information Form​ (Commercial Electric and Gas Accounts)
• Additional documents needed for GHGRP funded projects:
1. Proof of Affordability (Regulatory Agreement or Tax Covenant)
• If a Regulatory Agreement or Tax Covenant does not currently exist, DHCD will create a regulatory agreement that will be recorded for projects that are awarded program funds. To create a Regulatory Agreement, the program requires the following document:
• Project Legal Description - attached as an exhibit to the property deed.

The energy audit must be completed by a Qualified Energy Auditor​​. The energy audit consists of an on-site evaluation to collect information about the existing conditions of the project. The Qualified Energy Auditor enters information collected during the on-site evaluation into MINT software to estimate energy savings and request funding for eligible measures according to established Program Guidance. The Qualified Energy Auditor will provide the Applicant with a report that states the scope of work and requested funding amounts for the project. 

The MINT software will notify DCHD that funding has been requested for the measures entered into MINT. DHCD reviews these measures and the requested funding amounts. Measures and funding amounts will be approved or adjusted to meet program requirements. 

If the Project Owner accepts the finalized funding amount and scope of work, DHCD will create a funding agreement to be executed by the respective parties. After agreement execution, the project can begin construction. 

Funds are disbursed during the course of construction as work is completed. Requisitions are completed on a MEEHA requisition form and require supporting documentation verifying the installation and specifications of funded energy efficiency measures. Requisitions are submitted to DHCD and a sample of the requisitioned items are inspected. DHCD will process the approved requisition for payment. 

Note: Payments typically take 4-6 weeks to process. Filing a completed ACH Direct Deposit Form with Maryland’s Comptroller’s Office may reduce this time period. 

To become a Qualified Energy Auditor, the applicant must hold a current Building Performance Institute Multifamily Building Analyst Certification, and one other current building science certification, as well as demonstrate their experience completing energy audits on multifamily residential buildings by submitting copies of 3 energy audit reports they have previously completed. 

To establish best practices and guidance for conducting the energy audit, the Department has adopted the use of the Department’s MEEHA ​Program Guide and Building Performance Institute’s Technical Standards for the Multifamily Building Analyst Professional. 

• MEEHA Application​
• Qualified Energy Auditor List
• Minority Business Enterprise Form
• MBE Monthly Compliance Report​
  
• ACH Direct Deposit Form
• Customer Consent to Obtain Energy Use Information Form
• Program Guidance (2/21/24)​
• GHGRP Quick Start Gui​de
• MEEHA Program Guide
  
• EmPOWER Maryland Utility Service Territory Map
• Auditor Qualification Form
• Building Performance Institute’s Technical Standards for the Multifamily Building Analyst Professional
• ​Office of Home Energy Programs
• ​Maryland Energy Administration