Posted: 10/20/04
With some help, the city of North Branch is addressing the rise of gas prices by promoting two energy-efficient programs to keep its residents warmer and save money on their energy bills this winter. Gas prices are on the horizon this season so some local, state, and federal agencies have banned together to answer the nations need for energy efficiency.
The city of North Branch along with the Minnesota Department of Commerce State Energy Office, Lake & Pines Community Action Council, North Branch Water and Light, Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, U.S. Department of Energy, and Legislative District 17 Senator Sean Nienow, are promoting the Weatherization Assistance Program and ENERGY STAR at the home of Cynthia Nelson on 6500 Maple Street, North Branch, at 10:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 20.
Nelson is one of many low-income homeowners nationwide that have received aid from the Weatherization Assistance Program ñ a presidential priority program that reduces energy costs for low-income households by increasing the energy efficiency of their homes, while ensuring their health and safety.
Low-income households spend four times more on their annual income on energy than average households ñ a disparity that often forces tough choices about cutting back on other essentials in order to pay energy bills.
Depending on the needs of the clients, weatherization crews can install energy-efficient products, seal air leaks, install insulation, and repair broken heating units. Crews can also test for deadly carbon monoxide gas - and if needed, can provide homeowners with a carbon monoxide detector and a smoke alarm. On average, weatherization measures reduced annual energy costs by $218 per home.
The Weatherization Assistance Program has joined with another U.S. Department of Energy program, ENERGY STAR ñ a program designed to help businesses and individuals protect the environment and conserve energy through superior energy efficient products.
Weatherization Works with ENERGY STAR is the first joint initiative between the two programs, and in two years, has been able to bring energy-efficient, affordable products to the people who need them most. To date, Weatherization agencies have placed over 28,616 ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerators in low-income homes.
The city of North Branch, state, and federal agencies hope to highlight the positive efforts of the Weatherization Assistance Program and the ENERGY STAR program. Combining these two programs can help reduce some of the burden of high gas prices and promote energy efficient efforts.
To learn more about the Weatherization Assistance Program please visit www.eere.energy.gov/wip/ or call Bruce Gordon at (651) 296-7531. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call Rick Holmes at (507) 292-6418. For more information from City Hall contact City Administrator Joe Lynch at (651) 674-8113.
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