Since our last newsletter, TerraLogos Energy Group passed a major milestone - 5 years in business. For anyone who knows anything about small business, 5 years is a big deal. Despite their best efforts, many, many hard-working, conscientious and creative people do not make it to this point.

We believe that everyone should be able to take control of their expenses, comfort, health and environmental impact through energy efficiency. The TerraLogos Home Performance Process empowers people to gain this control, which is one of the first, most important steps on our path to a sustainable, clean energy future. 

We honor those who have been leaders by taking the steps to make their homes and buildings more energy efficient. Here is what they are saying about what lies ahead on this path:

From Annapolis: "Everybody says they'll save you money; TerraLogos actually did it. I think everybody should do this."

From Belair: "My 1975 home was terribly drafty on cold windy days. It was astouding to see where my energy leaks were... not necessarily where I thought. I am almost done in completing their recommendations, and I have cut my energy losses by 30%."

From Pikesville: "I consider the money I spent to hire TerraLogos the best investment I have made in the energy efficiency of my home. TerraLogos's expertise has proven invaluable to the efficiency of my home and has provided immediate payback in financial savings and comfort."

From Baltimore: "You're not just a one time come out. You are a customer for life. They really care about their customers and providing customer service for them."

From Deale: "This company sticks with you; if you have a problem, they are there to assist you along the way. They are very thorough and professional. I learned a lot in the process and I trusted them."

 From Baltimore: "To a person, they were all professional, courteous, and conscientious with a very strong work ethic. Kudos to all, and many thanks from a warm and cozy customer."  

From Crownsville: "We're going into winter and our heat pump is rarely on, we're nice and toasty and comfortable in every inch of the house. Thank you for making it so easy to prioritize our improvements-we got a ton of bang for our buck!"

Thanks to all of you who believe what we believe and have already joined us on the clean energy path. We welcome all others - the more, the better.
Together we can make a difference.

In order to achieve our statewide EmPower MD Goals for energy reduction, the Public Service Commission has directed the State's utility companies to develop and run programs to improve energy efficiency.  

This ambitious push for energy efficiency began with legislation in 2008, with the first programs starting in 2009. The plan was to run these initial programs from 2009 -11, learn from these efforts, and redesign the programs for the period 2012-14 so that they would be even more effective.

On 12/22, the PSC issued the initial directives that will guide the updated programs for the next 2 years. Due to the initial successes of the Home Performance program and the strong backing from the MEA, the People's Counsel and the utilities, the utility rebates have been increased. Everyone hopes that these higher rebates will spur even more homeowners to take the proven Home Performance path to energy efficiency.  

The details are still being finalized, so we will be reporting more to explain things better very soon. At this point, we can say that the programs should be similar for all utility customers throughout the State, with rebates to cover 50% of the cost of the most commonly recommended and beneficial improvements up to $2,000. In addition, there will be larger subsidies to lower the cost of the initial Home Energy Audit that guides the process, and there will be additional rebates of over $1,500 for equipment upgrades.

The PSC has directed the utilities to implement these revised programs immediately, so we anticipate having more information for you over the next 2 weeks. We know that completing an Energy Audit is the first step, and we still have some appointment openings in January and February. So, call us today at 410-225-5040 to scheduled your Audit or click here to sign up on-line by completing this form.   

If you have already had an Audit and want to perform your recommended improvements to take advantage of these new rebates, your Building Analyst is ready to help. Call or email us today to get started.

The rebates have also been increased for commercial customers. More information will also be available on these programs soon.

Trust TerraLogos to guide you through the process to take advantage of the rebates and gain the most benefits for the least cost.  

Read the PSC's press release here. 

Over the past 5 years, over 1,300 home and property owners have worked with TerraLogos to gain control over their health, comfort, energy bills and impact on the environment. You have led the way toward a new understanding of how your home functions, and how you can target your improvements to maximize your energy efficiency.

We greatly appreciate your trust and loyalty and ask that you spread the word to your friends and neighbors. If you believe as we believe that we can make a real difference one house at a time, then think what we can accomplish when home performance spreads through a community.

You can forward them this email or have them give us a call at 410-225-5040. With the new 2012 Rebate Programs starting up, now is a great time to start on the home performance path. Please have them mention your name, as we always like to know whom to thank.  

We would also welcome your help to improve our service. So if we have not met your expectations or you have suggestions for improvements to our process, please let us know. You can email me directly at PeterVB@TerraLogosEG.com.  

Let's build this effort so that we make an even bigger impact in 2012. Thank you for your help. 

Terra + Logos, Latin + Greek:   

1) knowledge of the earth,  

2) a Baltimore-based, locally-owned energy efficiency company working to combine that knowledge of the earth with state-of-the-art building science to empower property owners to evolve their home and workplace environments into the most advanced models of energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainable living.

At TerraLogos Energy Group, we care about the evolution of our planet, and we care about you and your successful role in making a difference. And, we believe that evolution begins at home - in the spaces where we live and work.  

In short, we are on a mission to evolve the environments in which people live, work and play to the highest standards of sustainability and comfort. Our customer focus, the depth of our experience, and our creative, expert approach enable us to integrate the technical world of building science and the personal needs and values of our customers. We bring our passion, expertise and commitment to every project to ensure its success.

As a pioneer and respected leader in the building performance industry, we approach each project individually and work with home and business owners as an active and involved partner to develop comprehensive solutions. We guide, mentor and educate, sharing the most up-to-date knowledge and insights to help make wise, informed and cost-effective decisions for both the short and long term.

Angie's list Award 

Green Improvements are Great Investments

TerraLogos has been buying Green Tags for years to offset our carbon emissions and operate as a carbon neutral company.

In 2010, we took the next very easy step and started purchasing 100% wind power for all our electrical needs.  

Clean Currents  

made it so easy, we kick ourselves that we didn't

do it ages ago. Now we have even upgraded to their all LOCAL wind energy offering. 

Clean Currents, a local MD based company, offers competitively priced wind power through the grid to residents and businesses in DC, MD, DE, and PA.  

We encourage you to  make the switch for yourself.