Question
This Sunday is 'National Cut Your Energy Costs Day.' How is your utility aiding customers to identify energy cost saving opportunities?
Posted to Energy Central
It may not be as widely recognized as President's Day or even Arbor Day, but January 10 is officially recognized as 'National Cut Your Energy Costs Day' to encourage consumers to find ways to find low-hanging fruit for energy savings, to upgrade equipment that may be using more energy than is necessary, to perform regular maintenance (such as cleaning HVAC filters or refrigeration coils) that reduces energy consumption, or to weatherize their home.
But for consumers who aren't as aware of the possibilities for energy savings, of programs/rebates/incentives that exist to assist them, or even about how much energy savings (and cost savings) are actually possible, their utility providers are primed to be the most trusted advisor on these opportunities. So in recognition of National Cut Your Energy Costs Day, I thought it appropriate to ask: What is your utility doing to assist customers in discovering, implementing, and following through on energy cost-cutting measures?
Answers
I live in Tallahassee, Florida, and I am a fan of the City of Tallahassee electric utility. I think the people there work on innovative ways for conservation, energy efficiency and moving to renewables. For example, recently the City of Tallahassee partnered with the Florida State University Center for Advanced Power Systems on power grid research. The aim is to develop cutting-edge technologies including electronic controls and artificial intelligence to allow power plants to better use solar panels with a battery energy storage system. The technology could lower energy costs by 10%.
Meanwhile, the City has an energy efficiency loan program. It offers a 5 percent financing for more than 25 energy efficiency measures. Also, the City offers free home energy audits for any electric customers who would like to have their homes evaluated for energy and water efficiency.
Thanks to incentives my local utility, I'll be saving money soon with new open cell foam insulation from Icynene from Tailored Foam in my attic. It seals the space completely making it easier for your AC to cool your home while also dampening sound. We expect to save at least 30% on our heating and cooling bills annually and Duke Energy provides a great rebate along with a free home energy audit to help make it happen. I'm also on their demand response program which saves me nearly $150 per year. To learn more about it click here: Duke Energy's EnergyWise Home Program
I'm the Energy Services/Marketing Manager at Santee Electric Co-op in South Carolina. We offer a wide array of energy management services and information. I perform nearly 22 no cost, in-home energy assessments per month. We provide rebates and incentives for demand management. (i.e. water heater timer switches and smart thermostats.) Our most successful energy savings program is our HELP MY HOUSE program. It's an on-bill financing program where we provide a front end audit, scope of work, bid proposal, complete insulation/weatherization upgrade, hvac replacement, and post audit inspection for verification of work completed. Santee Electric has completed nearly 310 homes to date to the tune of 3.2 million dollars. Our members are saving roughly 30% post retrofit. We like to empower our membership. Therefore, we provide apps and software so our members can monitor and manage their usage as the please.
One of my favorite city utilities!!