BERLIN – Years after the programs were launched, Berlin’s energy assistance programs continue to aid residents during the cold winter months.
As it has since 2009, the town offers citizens both financial assistance in paying their electric bills as well as a free energy audit program.
The energy assistance program was created to make sure those experiencing financial difficulties don’t run into trouble paying for electricity during the winter.
“The purpose is to provide an extra layer of security in their ability to keep the electric on during the coldest weather months of the year for their safety and health,” said Berlin Mayor Gee Williams.
The program is funded through contributions from the town as well as its residents. After Thanksgiving each year, Williams asks citizens for contributions to the fund. The donations collected are then matched by the town — up to $7,000. During the past six years, residents have donated more than $13,000.
“The entire Mayor and Council are very pleased with the participation and generosity of Berlin’s citizens in supporting this program,” Williams said. “I do not see it being discontinued anytime in the foreseeable future as long as public contributions remain strong and steady.”
After the town’s contribution, an average of $4,480 is available each year to citizens in need of help paying their electric bills. Williams said the town makes its contribution to Shore Up, the organization that handles the program, each January.
“The total funds are then immediately available through Shore Up for the January through March electric bills, which are typically the highest of the year,” Williams said.
He said that before distributing funds Shore Up officials made sure those individuals who applied for financial help were not eligible for the Maryland Energy Assistance Program.
At the same time the town started the energy assistance fund, officials also decided to offer free energy audits through the town’s electric department. Tim Lawrence, director of the town’s electric utility, said that upon request his employees would visit the homes of Berlin electric customers to perform energy audits. The audit, often a four-hour process, involves the technician using a variety of methods to determine how energy efficient a home is by identifying its weaknesses.
Lawrence said common problems in local homes included aging, inefficient appliances, single pane windows and deteriorated door seals. The single pane windows, he explained, are often found in older homes and can allow cold air to enter the home.
“As the house gets older, the framing twists and turns and pops and your windows get out of alignment,” he said. “You may have gaps.”
When Lawrence and his associates are finished going over a home, they create a list of ways energy efficiency can be improved for the homeowner. Homeowners who make any of the improvements on the list can recoup the cost of the work (up to $250) on a future electric bill.
“Basically, if a town electric customer spends between $1 and $500 on labor and materials, they would receive a one-time credit on their town electric bill for 50 percent of the money spent in making their home more energy efficient,” Williams said.
According to Lawrence, he usually does five or six audits a year. In the past two months, however, he’s already done four. He says customers can request an audit any time of year.
“It comes in spurts,” he said, “but normally it’s during the winter when people get their first high electric bill.”
Anyone interested in having an energy audit done should contact Lawrence at 410-629-1713.