Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection Now Accepting Applications for Food Truck Generator Electrification Pilot

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 13, 2025

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting applications for its Food Truck Generator Electrification Pilot Program. This initiative seeks to reduce noise and pollution from mobile food service businesses by providing financial incentives to replace gasoline- and diesel-powered generators with clean, quiet and efficient battery-powered systems.

The program is available to licensed mobile food service businesses (including food trucks and trailers) in Montgomery County. Thanks to a generous $150,000 grant from the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), eligible businesses can receive zero-interest financing and cash incentives to purchase and install battery power systems. The MEA grant allows the Food Truck Generator Electrification Pilot to offer direct subsidies to food truck operators, helping to offset the cost of electric generator systems, which typically range from $10,000 to $25,000.

“Each replaced fuel-powered generator will save businesses thousands of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs, while removing the equivalent of four cars' worth of carbon emissions from the road,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “Transitioning from diesel generators to electric systems in food trucks will help reduce noise and air pollution, creating a healthier environment for employees and their customers.”

“Montgomery County’s food truck pilot is visionary, practical, and, above all, effective at reducing harmful emissions—exactly the reason that our OPEN Energy initiative exists,” said Maryland Energy Administration Director Paul G. Pinsky. “The forethought and planning that Montgomery County put into this new effort is clearly evident, and we look forward to future forward-leaning efforts on the road ahead.”

To participate, food truck operators must complete the program application form. After submission, DEP will confirm eligibility or request additional information as needed. DEP will connect applicants with participating vendors and provide guidance on how to apply for a zero-interest loan through Montgomery County Green Bank’s partner, Climate First Bank.

“By helping food trucks transition to clean energy, we’re not only supporting small businesses but also taking significant steps towards reducing emissions and improving the quality of life in our communities,” said DEP Director Jon Monger. “This initiative aligns with our broader goals of sustainability and environmental stewardship, and we’re excited to see how it will benefit both business owners and customers.”

Food truck operators must meet the following requirements to qualify for an incentive:

• Be the owner of a licensed mobile food service business in Montgomery County (mobile reciprocity licenses from other Maryland jurisdictions are also accepted).
• Be registered with the State of Maryland and in “good standing.”
• Purchase an electric generator system that meets the food truck’s power requirements.
• Provide photographs of the installed equipment and invoices for equipment and installation.
• Register as a vendor in the County Vendor Registration System to receive direct payments.

The deadline for submitting grant applications is Jan. 31, 2026.

For additional program details, please visit the Food Truck Generator Electrification Pilot page on the DEP website.

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Release ID: 25-110
Media Contact: Cindy Peña 202-875-1563
Categories: Award, Business, Consumer, Grants, Permits, Transportation