Free energy saving measures will reduce some local power bills

By Carrie A. Mizell

Progress Energy will launch an energy saving program in Trenton beginning in November that will assist some 408 families in low income neighborhoods to lower their electric bills.
Melvin Philpot, program manager of residential energy efficiency programs at Progress Energy, told the Trenton City Council last week that through the new Neighborhood Energy Saver Program, residents will receive a home energy evaluation and customized energy-saving home improvements that will begin saving them money right away on their electric bill.

Citizens of Trenton who live within a certain boundary are eligible for the free program. Philpot explained that the boundaries, which were determined by Progress Energy, are Northwest 5th Avenue from Northwest 9th Street to Northeast Lancaster Street to NE 16th Avenue on the north side, Northeast 10th Street from East Wade Street to Northeast 16th Avenue on the east side, East/West Wade Street from Northwest 4th Street to Northeast 10th Street on the south side and on the west side from Northwest 9th Street from 5th Avenue and Northwest 2nd Avenue to Northwest 4th Street to West Wade Street.
Residents living within this section of Trenton, who are interested in learning more about the Neighborhood Energy Saver Program should attend a meeting being held at the Trenton Community Center on Wednesday, Nov. 10 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A catered dinner will be served after the meeting.
Progress Energy officials will step out into the community and begin implementing the Neighborhood Energy Saver Program in Trenton the following day, November 11.
“We hope to have everyone completed by the end of the year,” Philpot explained.
To qualify for the Neighborhood Energy Saver program residents must meet the Department of Community Affairs criteria, which is 150 percent of the poverty income guidelines. Citizens must also be Progress Energy residential metered customers and live within the boundaries specified.
According to Philpot, the program will also work to educate families on energy efficiency techniques and best practices in hopes that changes will be made within the homes as residents begin controlling their energy usage better.
Residents who take part in the Neighborhood Energy Saver program will have energy-efficient light bulbs installed in their homes. An insulation wrap will be put on water heaters inside each home, and energy-saving low-flow shower heads will be installed. Several other energy-efficient upgrades customized to each home will be offered.
“By participating in the Neighborhood Energy Saver program, we estimate that the average home may save approximately $150 per year on their electric bill,” stated Michael Lewis, senior vice president of energy delivery for Progress Energy Florida, in a letter mailed last week to each Progress Energy customer living within the designated area.
For more information on the program, call Melvin Philpot at (407) 942-9332.