Free Home Energy Improvements for Eligible Households

The Home Energy Repair and Savings Initiative (HERsi) is a no‑cost grant program offered by Housing Initiative Partnership (HIP).

HIP is a Local Weatherization Agency working in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. This program helps eligible households in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County improve their home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and safety.

✔ All services are free
✔ No payment is required at any stage

Contact Us

Questions about eligibility or the application process?

Claudia Bledsoe, HIP’s Community Development Specialist
📞240-388-9629 or by email.

How the HERsi Weatherization Grant Works

  • The Home Energy Repair and Savings Initiative (HERsi) is a GRANT program.

  • By filling out the application, we will screen you for 3 programs we are able to administer:
    • Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP)
    • U.S. Department of Energy Weatherization Assistance Program (DOE WAP)
    • EmPOWER Maryland

  • If your household is eligible:

    1. A certified contractor will schedule an initial home assessment
    2. The assessment determines which energy‑saving or safety improvements can be made
    3. Approved work is completed at no cost to you

Please note:

This is not an emergency program. The full process may take several weeks to several months, from application to completion.

Example Home Improvements–

Depending on your eligibility and home assessment, improvements may include:

MEAP

  • Repair or replacement of heating, cooling, and hot water systems

DOE Weatherization Assistance Program

  • Air sealing and blower door testing
  • Attic, wall, and floor insulation
  • Hot water system upgrades
  • Lighting improvements
  • Furnace cleaning and tuning
  • Health and safety repairs

EmPOWER Maryland

  • Insulation (attic, walls, floors)
  • Hot water system improvements
  • Energy‑efficient lighting
  • Furnace cleaning and safety repairs
  • Refrigerator replacement (if eligible)
  • Health and safety measures

NOTE: Additional repairs may be available based on your home’s needs.

PROGRAM Income Standard 1-Person Household 2-Person Household 3-Person Household 4-Person Household Other Ways to Qualify
MEAP 200% Federal Poverty Level $31,300 $42,300 $53,300 $64,300 Participation in OHEP Utility Assistance, SNAP, TANF, SSI, or HUD housing assistance programs
DOE Weatherization Assistance (WAP) 60% State Median Income $48,085 $62,880 $77,675 $92,470 Participation in OHEP Utility Assistance, SNAP, TANF, SSI, or HUD housing assistance programs
EmPOWER Maryand Utility-based income eligibility $72,950 $83,400 $93,800 $104,200 Customer of BGE, Pepco, Delmarva Power, FirstEnergy, SMECO, or Washington Gas or Participate in OHEP Utility Assistance, SNAP, TANF, SSI, HUD housing assistance, Fuel Fund Assistance, DHCD Rehab Programs, Baltimore Lead Hazard Control Program, Medicaid, MEA Energy Equity Grant, MEEHA; or meet geographic eligibility.

Home Maintenance 101, Virtual Workshop

HIP is collaborating with the Prince George’s County Department of Housing & Community Development and Habitat for Humanity Metro Maryland to host free virtual workshops every other month. It is open to all homeowners in Prince George’s County.

We will cover a variety of home maintenance topics, including:

  • How to weatherize your home
  • Preventative seasonal home maintenance
  • Energy Efficiency Tips