The newly expanded Small Town Energy Program is looking for residents of Hyattsville, University Park and Riverdale Park to participate in a focus group to help program organizers narrow their focus. 

The STEP program, is designed to help homeowners take advantage of existing tax rebates and other government or retail discounts to lessen the financial burden of retrofitting a home to be more energy efficient.

The STEP-UP program is unique in that it provides a local "energy coach" who helps guide homeowners through the process of identifying financing options for energy efficient upgrades. It's designed to lower the information barrier which homeowners often confront when undertaking energy efficiency upgrade projects.

"To make sure this program reflects the needs of Hyattsville residents, we are putting together a small 'focus group' meeting to discuss key elements of the program," wrote Jim Groves, chairman of the Hyattsville Environment Committee, in an email to members of the HOPE Listserv. 

The focus group is only an hour and half long, and participants will be paid $50 for their time. Organizers are looking for a diverse swath of residents to apply. 

Groves stressed that the focus group is not in any way a sales gimmick.

The meeting will take place at Hyattsville's Municipal Building in the evening June 6. The exact time was not specified in announcement. For more information or to register, call 866-758-6289.