Clock ticking on Indiana energy efficiency program
KOKOMO, Ind. (AP) — Ever wonder how energy efficient your house is?
You can find out. For free. But not for long.
Energizing Indiana, a 2-year-old initiative of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, offers any homeowner in the state a free energy assessment for their house.
An energy auditor will analyze the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in your home to determine if they are operating efficiently, and inspect air duct sealing, insulation levels and more to evaluate your home's energy consumption.
But the real icing on the cake?
Residents receive free installation of energy efficient compact-fluorescent light bulbs, sink aerators and shower heads throughout their home.
"We look at the whole environment and identify everything that could reduce energy consumption," Bob Nuss, managing director of Energizing Indiana, told the Kokomo Tribune. "Our inspectors are giving you a roadmap and the resources to help you save money and energy. … That's a pretty good deal."
But you have to hurry to get your free energy-efficiency roadmap. The program is set to expire at the end of the year.
That's because the Indiana General Assembly voted earlier this year to shut down the program, claiming it cost too much money without providing real benefits.
Gov. Mike Pence allowed the bill to become law without signing it last month.
Regarding the decision, Nuss said he was "massively disappointed in the shortsightedness of our legislators."
"The program has been very, very successful," he said, noting more than 120,000 homes have been inspected in the last two years. "I'm proud of what we've done. We accomplished things that nobody thought we could do."
According to its website, Energizing Indiana programs have saved over 1 billion kilowatt hours of energy in the last two years. That's enough energy to keep 83,706 Indiana homes going for one year.
With the program powering down, Nuss offered some advice.
"If you're contemplating doing a home-energy audit, do it now. It's highly beneficial," he said.
For low-income residents, the program will also provide a free test to see where there might be duct or air leaks that let heat escape.
To schedule a free home audit, visit www.energizingindiana.com or call 1-888-446-7750.
Although the audit is a great way to beef up your home's efficiency, there are simple things everyone can do to immediately cut down on energy consumption, said Kerwin Olson, executive director of Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana, a consumer group which partners with Energizing Indiana.
"We seem to have forgotten the basics," he said. "At my own house, I'm Mr. Turn-Off-The-Lights. We need to get back to simple things like shutting of the lights and turning down the thermostat when we leave the house."
Nuss agreed.
"Those types of things can really save a lot, and they don't require any investment" he said. "It's a matter of just doing it. If everybody watched what they did with their energy, it'd have a huge impact."
Energizing Indiana may be going away, but Nuss said nearly every utility company offers some kind of incentive program to encourage consumers to conserve energy.
For example, Duke Energy offers utility users a $200 payback if they install a high-efficiency heat pump or air conditioner. Residents who restore their heat pump or air conditioner to optimal operating efficiency can receive a $50 incentive.
Duke also offers a free home-energy report that shows how your home performs each month, as well as over the past year. The report compares your energy use to similar households in your community, and offers tips on how to reduce your energy use.
Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana's Olson said there are lots of programs out there to help residents reduce energy use, and now is the time to use them.
"Not only should they take advantage of these programs while they can, they should also talk to their local representatives about reinstating a statewide energy efficiency plan in Indiana," he said.
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Information from: Kokomo Tribune, http://www.ktonline.com
This is an AP Member Exchange shared by the Kokomo Tribune.