Ideas For Lowering Energy Bills Abundant
by June 6, 2013 4:31 pm 102 views
Public and private energy officials are raising the profile of energy efficiency later this month as they kick of “Tighten Up” week on Monday, June 24.
The week-long awareness campaign is aimed at creating more public education of resources and tips for lowering energy usage for individuals and businesses.
“We’re trying to inundate Arkansans with energy efficiency awareness. We want people to think about things they can do in their homes, their businesses to really save some money on energy,” said Scott Hamilton, director of the Arkansas Energy Office at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
Hamilton said the state and its energy partners have created a web site – EnergyEfficiencyArkansas.org – which highlights tips for saving energy, events and training opportunities, and resources and incentives.
Heading into summer, Hamilton said that while small measures can save residential owners big bucks, there will be a big focus on commercial energy savings and the rebates and incentives currently in the marketplace.
“Right now, the utilities are all offering some fantastic rebates,” he said. “Reach out to your local utility.”
Entergy Arkansas, for example, is offering significant rebates to homes and businesses for weatherization efforts. Some of those incentives include “opportunities to package” multiple improvements.
The state’s largest electric utility has also partnered with select retailers to offer discounts on purchases of appliances and light bulbs that save energy.
“Those savings and rebates start to stack up pretty quick,” Hamilton said.
Another example of an opportunity for savings is the annual Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas $50,000 home makeover.
Partnering agencies for “Tighten Up” week include Entergy, American Electric Power, CenterPoint Energy, Arkansas Public Service Commission, Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corporation, Arkansas Energy Office, Empire, Oklahoma Gas and Electric, Arkansas Western Gas Company and Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas.
Below you can watch an interview with Hamilton, who appeared on a recent Talk Business webcast/podcast.