The Honeydew Blog
Key Energy News from the DMV and Beyond
MD PEPCO Rates Analysis
Maryland Pepco customers keep asking the same question we heard in Washington, DC: "Are SOS electric supply rates rising, and where does it hit hardest?" In this post, we break down: The latest MD SOS schedules using the tariff’s native windows and look at total...
DC Council Sticks to BEPS Deadlines – Here’s What That Means for You
It’s been a wild summer for DC’s budget process. In May, the Mayor floated a plan to pause the Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) and push off the Net‑Zero Energy code. That proposal made plenty of headlines and led some building owners to wonder whether...
Maryland BEPS 2025 Update: What HB49 Means (Deadlines, MoCo, Fees & Condo Rules)
From the field: As we’re actively benchmarking many new Maryland buildings right now, we’ve received fresh updates from MDE that are too important not to keep to ourselves. If you still need help getting your properties benchmarked (or just want a second set of eyes),...
Keepin it Fresh: The Power of Outside Air
When I upgraded to a smart thermostat, I expected to see one main benefit: lower energy bills. What I didn’t expect was that the upgrade would completely change how I think about indoor air quality. My new thermostat came with sensors that track VOC (volatile organic...
EmPOWER MD Tune-Up: Energy Upgrades You’re Already Paying For
If you’re paying a utility bill in Maryland, there’s a good chance you’re already funding energy efficiency upgrades and just haven’t claimed them yet. And here’s the best part: If you participate and get accepted into the program, not only could you receive free or...
Thinking About Solar? Do It Now… Before the 30% ITC Disappears
If you’re considering a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) or Roof Lease to go solar — especially to comply with BEPS requirements in DC, Montgomery County, or Maryland — there’s a narrowing window to take advantage of the full federal solar tax credit. Here’s what you...
Why Are Pepco Electric Supply Rates Rising So Fast?
If you're a Pepco customer, you may have noticed your electricity bill creeping higher and higher since the Pandemic—and that trend is far from over. According to Pepco’s recently published supply rate schedules, prices across most residential and commercial customer...
How Potential Policy Changes Could Reshape Solar, Benchmarking, and BEPS for Condos and Co-ops in DC
Big policy shifts are on the horizon — and if your community association is considering solar, managing energy compliance, or using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager for benchmarking, now is the time to pay attention. Congress and DC Council are reviewing proposals that...
Community Solar: Convenient Access to Renewable Energy for Maryland & DC Residents
When people think of solar power, rooftop panels are usually the first thing that comes to mind. But there's another model—community solar—that allows utility customers to support renewable energy and save money without installing equipment on their property. With...
Montgomery County BEPS: Baseline Calculations and Compliance
Montgomery County, Maryland, has implemented Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions as part of its broader climate action goals. A key component is establishing a baseline energy performance, which...
Critical BEPS Distinction: Site EUI vs Adjusted Site EUI
For buildings benchmarked under the District of Columbia’s Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS), understanding the difference between Site EUI and Adjusted Site EUI in Energy Star Portfolio Manager (ESPM) is critical. Many property owners following the...
Get More Time to Comply: Apply for a BEPS Extension with the EDER Pathway
Are you struggling to implement the necessary energy conservation measures by December 31st, 2025 to comply with DC BEPS Cycle 1? The Extended Deep Energy Retrofit (EDER) pathway offers a golden opportunity for building owners to extend your deadline. This flexible,...
Washington DC Will Lower its Benchmarking Threshold to 10,000 Square Feet
The District of Columbia enforces some of the nation’s most stringent benchmarking rules. Starting in 2026, these requirements will extend to nearly every building with a gross floor area of 10,000 square feet or more. Please note this was originally planned to start...
DOEE Enforcement Letters: What You Need To Know
If you own or manage a building in Washington, D.C., you may have come across various notices from the Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE). These notices serve as official communication regarding Benchmarking and Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS)...
Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) and Benchmarking in Montgomery County and Maryland
Following in the footsteps of Washington, D.C. and many other Jurisdictions, Montgomery County and the State of Maryland are implementing Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) aimed at reducing energy use and carbon emissions in buildings. Here, we will examine...
Smart Thermostat Systems Now Available for No Cost in Maryland
Maryland Heatwave Highlights Urgent Need for Efficient Cooling in Multifamily Buildings Maryland has been experiencing an intense heatwave throughout the summer season, with temperatures consistently soaring above seasonal averages. This extreme heat has highlighted...
How Heat Pumps Create Energy Out of Thin Air
Background The blog post we published back in March entitled “How Ditching Natural Gas Service” generated quite a bit of buzz and we received a good deal of feedback, both supportive and critical. While we stand by the calculations as a way to better understand the...
How Condominium Association and Cooperatives can use the Solar ITC
The 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC) transformed solar projects in DC, reducing costs and speeding up the shift to renewable energy. Additionally, this tax credit has shortened payback periods for condos owning solar systems and increased the prevalence and ability of...