Just as winter can be especially tough for those who heat their homes with electricity, summer can be equally as tough trying to keep it cool on hot days.
For those who have older inefficient air conditioners, home cooling becomes a bigger challenge because of the increased cost of running the unit. While upgrading sounds like an easy alternative, a new energy-efficient air conditioner just isn’t in the budget for a lot of people.
Fortunately for those electric customers who need assistance the most, a free program offered in Peterborough, Lakefield, and Norwood might be able to help.
To assist those in financial need, Peterborough Distribution Inc., GreenUP and the Independent Electricity System Operator have joined forces to bring the saveONenergy Home Assistance Program (HAP) to local homeowners, tenants, and social housing providers. The program helps to make homes and buildings more energy efficient and comfortable, saving money and energy.
The goal of HAP is to help eligible homeowners, tenants and social housing providers reduce their energy costs and make homes and buildings more comfortable. The best part about HAP is that there is absolutely no cost to participate in the program. You pay nothing, but will save money on your energy bill for years to come. It really is an exception to the old saying “it’s too good to be true”.
To be eligible for HAP, you must have an electric account with Peterborough Distribution Inc. You qualify for the program by having a low or limited before tax household income or by being enrolled in a government assistance program such as the National Child Benefit Supplement, Allowance for the Survivor, Guaranteed Income Supplement, Allowance for Seniors, Ontario Works, Ontario Disability Support program or the Utility Low Income Energy Assistance program.
The program is also open to social housing providers who provide non-profit residential social housing.
HAP begins with an in-home energy assessment performed by one of GreenUP’s expert home assistance technicians. The technician will work with you to assess how energy efficient your home or social housing building currently is. Based on the results of the assessment, the technician will install the energy efficient upgrades that your home or building qualifies for.
There are several levels of energy efficiency measures that may be available to each home or building depending on their individual circumstances. These may include basic measures items like energy-saving CFL or LED light bulbs and power bars. Depending on income, most participants will qualify for these items at the very least.
In homes or buildings with electric hot water heaters, the technician may also install low-flow showerheads (both fixed or hand held), faucet aerators for kitchen and bathroom, and hot water tank pipe wrap insulation. These items help you use less hot water and prevent heat loss through the pipes and tank itself.
The technician will be able to advise if your home or building is eligible for extended measures, such as new energy-efficient refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, or window air conditioners to replace old “energy hog” appliances. These additional measures will also help to cut your power consumption and reduce costs — all at no cost to you. There’s no catch!
In some cases, where homes or buildings have electric heat, the premises may even be eligible for weatherization measures such as insulation upgrades and draft proofing measures.
An energy-efficient home is a more comfortable home, plus you’ll save money each month. HAP makes it easier for you to manage your energy costs — something that we all can appreciate.
To find out more about the Home Assistance Program and how you may benefit from free energy upgrades and measures, get in touch with Peter Goering at GreenUP. He can be reached at 705-745-3238 ext. 200 or by email at peter.goering@greenup.on.ca.
More information is also available from Peterborough Distribution Inc. by visiting pdiconserves.ca.
