WATERBURY, Conn. (May 9, 2022) -- The City of Waterbury is excited to announce the kickoff of the Waterbury Home Energy Action (HEA) Campaign, an initiative aimed at helping homeowners and renters cut their energy use, making homes more comfortable while also reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The city has partnered with local nonprofits, Clean Water Fund, Neighborhood Housing Services of Waterbury, Naugatuck Valley Project, and I Heart My Home.
The HEA Campaign will run through the end of the year, with a goal of assisting residents in accessing the energy efficiency programs and incentives available through Eversource, an Energize ConnecticutSM Sponsor. The campaign team, consisting of local volunteers and energy experts, will offer educational presentations throughout the year to inform people about the low or no-cost energy efficiency services available to all Eversource customers.
With the partnership of local groups and volunteers, the HEA team will help streamline the home weatherization process by scheduling an energy evaluation for participants. The Home Energy SolutionsSM (HES) visit, which costs just $50 (or no cost for those who are income-eligible) typically provides hundreds of dollars in energy efficiency services. During this assessment, utility-certified technicians evaluate the home’s energy performance, run a safety check of the current heating system, add weather stripping, seal air leaks, and, if desired, add faucet aerators and low-flow showerheads. Additionally, the technicians provide written recommendations for deeper energy-saving measures such as insulation, high-efficiency heating and cooling, water heating, windows and appliances. For income eligible residents, some of these secondary measures may be deeply discounted or provided at no cost.
Waterbury Mayor Neil M. O’Leary encourages all residents to take advantage of this program, "City residents are pinched as they face soaring gas and food prices," Mayor O'Leary said. "Helping residents minimize expenses couldn't have come at a better time.”
“Over 30% of the energy consumed in the state is used to heat and cool buildings. Leaky, drafty buildings and homes waste energy and cost more money. Participating in the energy audit is a great way to make homes energy efficient, lower residents energy bills and make homes more comfortable,” stated Anne Hulick, Waterbury campaign coordinator and state director of Clean Water Fund. “We’re so excited to partner with local groups, grassroots leaders and grateful to Mayor O’ Leary for his leadership and support of this important campaign.”
“Making homes more affordable is not just about the purchase price or monthly rent; it's also about reducing costs associated with maintaining the home so that one doesn't become house burdened. And reducing energy costs by addressing the building envelope is an important step,” stated Kevin T. Taylor, Executive Director of Neighborhood Housing Services of Waterbury.
The Waterbury Home Energy Action campaign kicks off on May 10, 2022 and will actively continue through the end of the year. The earlier you participate, the better! To learn more or to join our Home Energy Action Campaign, email Anne Hulick at ahulick@cleanwater.org.
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Since our founding during the campaign to pass the landmark Clean Water Act in 1972, Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections by bringing issue expertise, solution-oriented thinking and people power to the table.