As partner of the Energize Connecticut initiative, The United Illuminating Company (UI) is helping Connecticut residents reduce their energy bills and make their homes more comfortable this winter. At no cost, families on a fixed or limited income can take part in the HES-Income Eligible (HES-IE) program.
HES-IE offers on-the-spot weatherization and energy efficiency services to homeowners and renters for immediate savings, as well as incentives and additional resources to further reduce energy use. A home energy assessment is a “physical checkup” determining how much energy a home uses, and is recommended for anyone looking to lower their monthly home energy bills.
“A home energy assessment is highly recommended for anyone looking to lower their energy costs especially for those having trouble making ends meet,” said Elizabeth Murphy, senior program manager, The United Illuminating Company. “By participating in the HES-IE program, residents will have a better understanding of how your home wastes energy and what additional measures can be taken to improve the comfort of your home.”
Each energy assessment is performed by a certified professional. All HES-IE customers may be eligible for the following free services:
• Diagnostic testing, blower door guided air sealing, and duct sealing
• Installation of energy-saving light bulbs, including CFLs and LEDs
• Installation of water-saving products like low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators and hot water pipe wrap
• Replacement of qualifying appliances with ENERGY STAR® models
• Educational tips on how to further reduce home energy costs
• Information on incentives and financing for additional upgrades including insulation, windows and heating and cooling equipment as applicable
• Some homes may qualify for insulation and appliance upgrades at no cost
By participating in the HES-IE program homeowners and renters will not only save money, it will make their homes more energy efficient and comfortable for all seasons. That means warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
So far in 2015, more than 4,400 customers in UI territory alone have taken advantage of the services provided through the HES-IE program. These customers will receive approximately $1,200 in services during the site visit and save on average $250 or more annually on their energy bills.
“The entire HES-IE program is a blessing for those who cannot afford these services,” said, Margaret Young, West Haven resident. “I was very pleased with the process and the technician was very helpful and explained everything.”
As an HES-IE customer, during the no-cost home energy assessment, the services Young received included installation of two faucet aerators, one handheld shower head, pipe wrap, foam, caulk and v-strip to seal areas where air was leaking into and out of her home and an ENERGY STAR dehumidifier to replace her inefficient model.
After the initial assessment, Young was able to take the next step of adding insulation to her home. “Before, the cool/warm air would go right out the window and now after the audit and the insulation I had added to my home I see a difference with the air conditioning this summer and I look forward to a warmer house in the winter.” Young explained.
These combined measures will amount to Young saving approximately $376 annually. Partaking in the HES-IE program not only improved the overall comfort of her home, it will further help reduce her energy bills.
“This time of the year presents challenges as people struggle to make ends meet and pay increased electric and heating costs due to the seasonal change. Our effort is to get the word out to those that need these services most, so that they can improve their circumstances,” said, Murphy.
To obtain more information regarding the HES-Income eligible program and financing opportunities, please call 1-877-WISE-USE or visit EnergizeCT.com.
About Energize Connecticut:
Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE.
###