By Pamela Sweetwood
I want to share with you a local program very worthy of your participation. The Ecology Action Center advertised several months ago on WJBC their energy audit program. Knowing I had issues in my home, I recently participated in Ameren’s program. I contacted the Ecology Action Center and learned the programs, although similar, are not a duplicate.
The BN Energy Bright program, with the City of Bloomington and Town of Normal as partners, targets local residents to reduce energy consumption. The assessment is only$10. Ameren’s fee was $50.
The inspection was about 90 minutes. He pointed out specific trouble spots which helped in understanding the needs cited in the report. The detailed report indicated priority measures and maintenance/optional measures to consider. They left a toolkit with several sample items, light bulbs, gaskets, and weatherstripping.
Categories reviewed include lighting, weatherization, heating & cooling, water heater, outlets and storm water management. The report included links to websites providing more resource information or demonstrations on suggested maintenance tasks. Each recommendation included estimated cost and expected energy savings. Recommendations were also specific to the utility company.
Included was a review of my utility bills. I found out compared to a typical Midwest detached single family home, I used 76% more. I was surprised. I thought it would be below average due to the number in the household and existing efforts to reduce energy consumption. The utility analysis tracked consumption against heating and cooling days.
They will check back in a year to see if I implemented any of the suggestions and if so, what changes occurred in consumption or energy costs.
The BN Energy Bright program is still available. Sign-up by going to the BN Energy Bright or the Ecology Action Center’s website. I hope you too will benefit from this opportunity.
Pamela Sweetwood was an ISU student, like many, who never left town. She works in higher education and has a history with many community non-profits organizations.
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