Hoosiers are looking for ways to reduce costs and one way they’re doing it is by reducing their energy bills. Through the Energizing Indiana program, the state is helping residents do just that.
Instituted by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission and other consumer groups and utility companies, Energizing Indiana is a free statewide energy efficiency program.
“We wanted to offer consistent programs to residents throughout the entire state,” said Bob Nuss, managing director of Energizing Indiana.
This program, which began one year ago, is not only for residents but also for businesses and schools.
Through Energizing Indiana, homeowners and renters have various initiatives.
“We look at how you’re using energy in the home, what the building envelope looks like, what kind of shape your doors and windows are in, your heating and cooling system, what kind of insulation you have – just a general view of how you’re using energy in your home,” explained Nuss.
Homeowners can also have fluorescent light bulbs and low-flow shower and faucet heads installed; and get their hot water heater insulated.
Energizing Indiana’s other residential program is for select individuals who must qualify. Those who are below a certain income level can receive a full home assessment in addition to having their home sealed off.
For consumers whose incomes exceed the guidelines, the program can still provide data they need to determine if expensive fixes are good investments.
Energizing Indiana’s school program goes out to public and private schools to do an energy audit. Also, an energy efficiency curriculum has been created for fifth graders.
Through Energize Indiana, commercial and industrial businesses have a prescriptive rebate program that is specifically designed to help managers and owners achieve long-term, cost-effective energy savings.
“You can get a rebate for changing out that old light fixture for a new light fixture for example. The payback is about two years and in some cases one year,” said Nuss.
Energizing Indiana has a core group of employees that administer the home, school and business assessments.
Utility companies such as Indianapolis Power and Light, Duke Energy and Vectren support Energize Indiana.
With companies such as the aforementioned gradually increasing customers’ energy rates, some wonder how beneficial can programs such as Energizing Indiana really be.
Danielle McGrath, executive director of external affairs for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) said although the governing body oftentimes supports rate increases for various types of utilities for various reasons, consumers should know that when it comes to energy efficiency, every effort matters.
“There are so many factors that can make an impact in their overall energy consumption. All these different things add up over time. By scaling back you are making an impact on your bill,” said McGrath.
The IURC is an administrative utility corporation whose charge is to weigh the evidence and interest between the utilities and ratepayers.
The IURC is then required by state statute to make decisions that balance the interests of all parties to ensure the utilities provide adequate and reliable service at reasonable prices.
“Hearings aren’t for residents, but customers always have the opportunity to comment on any case. That can be done through the Office of Utility Consumer Counselor,” said McGrath.
Energizing Indiana provides energy efficiency education to those who take advantage of the free service, however McGrath said there are other resources Hoosiers can take advantage of to find additional and factual information. She suggests EnergySaver.gov hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy. She also suggests people stay abreast of rate hikes by visiting the IURC’s website at In.gov/IURC.
“The public has access to the same information we do and we certainly encourage them to go online if they have questions,” said McGrath.
In addition to weighing in on potential rate hikes, residents and business owners are encouraged to take advantage of Energize Indiana as soon as possible. This program will expire at the end of 2014.
“I encourage people to participate in this program. There’s no reason not to. There’s no catch, we’re not trying to sell you anything. This is just a good deal and our sole reason for doing this is to help electric consumers reduce the amount of energy they’re using,” said Nuss.
For more information on Energizing Indiana, call (888) 446-7750 or visit EnergizingIndiana.com; for information on utility rate cases or utility bills, call (800) 851-4268 or visit In.gov/IURC.
