New Home Energy Savings Program to Benefit Low to Moderate and Fixed Income Residents in the Charleston Area
June 10, 2015
Pilot Program to Weatherize 80 Charleston Area Homes Over The Next Two Years
NORTH CHARLESTON, SC – The Sustainability Institute, SCE&G and Boeing today announced a new pilot weatherization program, the Home Energy Savings Program, aimed at helping low to moderate income and fixed income customers in the Charleston area. The new program, which is also receiving support from Social Venture Partners and AmeriCorps, will provide participants with personalized energy savings, energy improvement, and energy education for their homes and will seek to weatherize a total of 80 homes in two years.
The program is part of the South Carolina Energy Conservation Corps, which recruits, trains, certifies and provides job placement services for veterans and at-risk young adults aged 18-25 in the energy efficiency industry.
“We are delighted by the investment of these partners which will result in a ‘double-win’ for our community – energy efficiency being delivered to homeowners in need, and training and employment opportunities being delivered to deserving individuals searching for a career pathway,” said Bryan Cordell, executive director for The Sustainability Institute.
Beverly Wyse, Boeing South Carolina’s Vice President and General Manager added, “Boeing invests in The Sustainability Institute because it is providing tools and opportunity for veterans and at-risk young adults to realize their potential while improving our community. The collaborative support of all of the community partners and investors demonstrates the long-term impact and scalability of this program.”
Home weatherization projects through the new Home Energy Savings Program will make homes safer and more energy efficient. Weatherization measures for homes in the pilot program will include air sealing, wrapping water heater and hot water pipes, CFL bulb installation, smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector installation, attic and crawlspace insulation and duct system repair or replacement.
“For more than 160 years, SCE&G has proudly served the people and communities of the Lowcountry, and we’re committed to helping individuals and families continue to learn ways they can make their homes more energy efficient,” said Keller Kissam, SCE&G’s president of retail operations. “That’s why the new Home Energy Savings Program – and the opportunity to work side by side with The Sustainability Institute and Boeing – is so exciting. Together, we’ll be able to make a lasting impact in the lives and the homes of our customers who need it the most by providing energy savings, energy improvement, and energy education that is personalized for their homes.”
To help save energy in your home, SCE&G offers the following tips:
- Set thermostat at 68°F or lower in the winter & 78° or higher in the summer
- Check air filters monthly; change when dirty or according to manufacturer guidelines
- Keep HVAC vents & interior doors open to keep air flowing freely.
- Set your water heater to 120°F and visually inspect it periodically for leaks
- Unplug appliances, lights, TVs, computers, etc. when not in use
For additional ways to save energy every day, visit: www.sceg.com/energytips.
About The Sustainability Institute
The Sustainability Institute is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with a mission of empowering South Carolinians to conserve energy and reduce our environmental footprint where we live and work. For more information, visit
www.sustainabilityinstitutesc.org
About SCE&G
SCE&G is a regulated public utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 692,000 customers in South Carolina. The company also provides natural gas service to approximately 342,000 customers throughout the state. For more information, visit www.sceg.com.
