Funding of more than $2.1 million is being made available to the state’s 23 counties and Baltimore city to improve energy efficiency in low- to moderate-income households.

Local governments, incorporated nonprofit groups or homeowner or condominium associations can apply for the EMPOWER grants, with money being made available to the eligible households. The money can be used for home improvements, heating and cooling system changes, appliance replacements or technology upgrades.

Funding for the program, which is in its fourth year, comes from the state’s Strategic Energy Investment Fund, which was created from auctioning carbon credits through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. The greenhouse gas initiative is a mandatory cap and trade program in which Maryland participates along with nine other northeastern and Mid-Atlantic states.

In 2011, the program, which is managed by the Maryland Energy Administration, awarded $2 million. In 2010 and 2009, it awarded $3.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively.

"These grants are another step forward in our goal to take control of our energy future," Gov. Martin O’Malley said.

To be awarded a grant, applicants must clearly outline how projects would benefit eligible households, which may not have incomes greater than 85 percent of the median income, adjusted for family size, for their area. Some grantees have used the awards to leverage additional funds and to preserve affordable housing.

The amount of money the jurisdictions receive is based on the number of low- to moderate- income households located there. Applicants compete within their jurisdiction for the grants, and in most cases, households will receive no more than $5,000.

At least $25,000 is available in each county, with Prince George’s County having the largest allocation at $339,000.

MEA Director Malcolm Woolf said the program will help push Maryland closer to O’Malley’s goal of 15 percent reduced energy consumption by 2015.

mhyslop@gazette.net