ANNAPOLIS — The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) is again offering the fiscal year 2016 Kathleen A. P. Mathias Agriculture Energy Efficiency Program (Mathias Ag program) to support energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in the agriculture sector.

Named for the late wife of Sen. Jim Mathias, this program provides grants on a competitive basis to farms/businesses in the agricultural sector. Eligible projects include energy efficiency measures and renewable energy measures when performed in conjunction with energy efficiency. Local winners last year included Gerard and Donna Dumsha of Princess Anne, who upgraded four poultry houses to save an estimated 34 MW hours of electricity and almost 2,000 gallons of propane for a cost savings of more than $7,000.

Grants cover up to 50% of energy efficiency upgrades and up to 25 percent of renewable energy projects. For details including the application, program information and other documentation, please visit the 2016 Mathias Ag Program webpage or contact EnSave at 800-732-1399. Applications are due Jan. 20, 2016.

A webinar on the program is set for 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, contact Emily Singleton at Emily.singleton@maryland.gov for an invitation to attend.

— Heather D’Arcy is Program Operations Director EnSave, Inc.