Programs can increase energy efficiency before winter arrives

Inter-County Energy provides free programs to help homeowners and business owners to pinpoint ways to dramatically improve energy efficiency and save.
For homeowners, Inter-County’s Button-Up Program determines where homes lose energy and provides recommendations that can help people stay warm and save on energy.
“If you’re a member and your home is heated by electricity, a professional energy advisor from Inter-County Energy will inspect it and conduct a free energy evaluation,” said Sheree Gilliam, VP Member Services. “Our advisor will conduct a blower door test to determine just how airtight the home is.”
The advisor will mount a fan to an exterior door to detect unsealed cracks and openings that waste energy. The advisor will also look at the house’s insulation and ductwork, as well as water heaters or appliances that might be inefficient.
“Many energy-saving repairs are inexpensive, simple to complete and will pay for themselves over time,” said Gilliam. “Upgrades completed through our Button-Up program may qualify for rebates.”
In a business evaluation, a representative from Envision Energy Services will use advanced equipment to identify how restaurants, hotels, schools, factories, hospitals and other businesses can save on energy costs.
In addition, Inter-County Energy also provides free energy information bulletins and online videos that explain how to fix the common ways that homes and businesses waste energy.
There are 19 free bulletins for homeowners, explaining how to seal attic entrances, insulate, stop duct leaks and more. There are eight free business bulletins, explaining how churches, convenience stores, motels, offices, restaurants, schools or other businesses can reduce energy costs. Both the home and business energy information bulletins are available at www.intercountyenergy.net or www.togetherwesaveKY.com.
Business owners may qualify for rebates from Inter-County if they upgrade their lighting. The co-op will send a representative to offices, stores, schools or other places of business to assess the lighting. If it needs upgrading, the business then hires its own electrician to replace the fixtures.
Once the lighting upgrade is completed, Inter-County Energy will inspect the changes and provide qualified businesses a rebate check equal to $213 for every kilowatt that the new lights reduce electrical load.
Finally, Inter-County Energy encourages people to sign up for levelized billing to eliminate cost swings in bills. No matter what the weather is outside, the program helps people make sure their electric bill is not a surprise.
For more information, please contact: Sheree Gilliam, VP Member Services, (859) 516-3320.