Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Wednesday, October 16, 2013
(UNDATED) - In an effort to help customers make their homes more energy efficient, Vectren Energy Delivery (Vectren), Duke Energy and Energizing Indiana are partnering to weatherize homes of low-income customers.
The organizations have set a goal of weatherizing 1,000 homes this heating season and have officially issued a call for qualifying applicants.
This unique program will weatherize homes of Indiana customers who have Vectren natural gas service and Duke Energy electric service and whose household income is up to 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines. For a family of four, this percentage equates to a household income of about $47,000 or less. Qualifying customers will be served on a first-come, first- serve basis.
To apply for home weatherization or for more information, contact Energizing Indiana at 1-888-446-7750 or visit www.energizingindiana.com.
"We know inefficient homes with little to no insulation force energy bills higher, and many homeowners simply don't have the discretionary income to get their homes up to today's energy efficiency standards," said Mike Roeder, president of Vectren Energy Delivery of Indiana - North. "This program helps many working families for the long-term by helping to break the cycle of high energy usage and thus, high energy bills. We hope those who think they may qualify will contact Energizing Indiana today to take advantage of this program."
Qualifying customers will receive a free, on-site home energy audit to determine areas in need of energy-efficiency upgrades. Energy efficiency experts from Energizing Indiana will then implement a number of efficiency measures on an as-needed basis, which may include: adding insulation in the attic, sealing ductwork and air leaks, installing a water heater insulation wrap, installing CFL bulbs and low-flow faucet aerators, etc., all at no cost to the customer.
"Given only 20 percent of homes built before 1980 are considered well-insulated, we know there are thousands of homes in Indiana that are in desperate need of energy efficiency upgrades," said Michael Goldenberg, Duke Energy director of products and services. "These weatherization services will reduce energy bills in addition to increasing the home's value."
Home Weatherization Income Guidelines (up to 200% of the poverty level)
For family units with more than eight members, add $8,040 for each member.
Qualifying homes must be at least 10 years old. Traditional apartment buildings do not qualify.
All customers regardless of household income can receive a free on-site home energy assessment through Energizing Indiana. More information about additional Energizing Indiana initiatives is available at 888-446-7750 or visit www.energizingindiana.com.
Vectren and Duke Energy offer additional energy efficiency programs for residential and business customers. Learn more about Vectren's programs at www.vectren.com or call 866-240-8476. More information about Duke Energy's programs is available at www.duke-energy.com/indiana/savigns.asp.
About Vectren
Vectren Corporation (NYSE: VVC) is an energy holding company headquartered in Evansville, Ind. Vectren's energy delivery subsidiaries provide gas and/or electricity to more than 1 million customers in adjoining service territories that cover nearly two-thirds of Indiana and west central Ohio. Vectren's nonutility subsidiaries and affiliates currently offer energy-related products and services to customers throughout the U.S. These include infrastructure services, energy services and coal mining. To learn more about Vectren, visit www.vectren.com.
About Duke Energy
Duke Energy Indiana's operations provide approximately 6,900 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 790,000 customers, making it the state's largest electric supplier. Duke Energy is the largest electric power holding company in the United States with more than $110 billion in total assets. Its regulated utility operations serve approximately 7.2 million electric customers located in six states in the Southeast and Midwest. Its commercial power and international business segments own and operate diverse power generation assets in North America and Latin America, including a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets in the United States. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Duke Energy is a Fortune 250 company traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol DUK. More information about the company is available at: www.duke-energy.com.
About Energizing Indiana
Energizing Indiana is a statewide partnership among Indiana's electric utilities and consumer advocates that offers electric energy efficiency programs to help achieve a state-established electric usage reduction goal by 2019. Learn more at www.energizingindiana.com.
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