Are you, or someone you know, among the nearly one-third of U.S. households that struggle to afford their energy bills? If you find yourself cutting back on, or foregoing, necessities such as food or medicine in order to pay for electricity and heat, help may be available through the Energy Savers Network (ESN).
With funding from the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, Duke Energy, grants, and private donations, and with the help of a dedicated volunteer corps, ESN is working to improve the lives of those who struggle with energy costs. ESN provides a free service that helps limited-income households save money by implementing simple but effective energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes.
ESN is currently looking for more clients to serve, as well as more volunteers to assist with the upgrades. Volunteers will learn new skills, and help their neighbors save money and reduce energy consumption. And that’s not to mention the “happiness factor” that volunteering does for the soul!
The energy-efficiency upgrades that ESN implements are: insulating water heaters, sealing air leaks and air ducts, installing low-flow water fixtures and door weatherstripping, as well as replacing light bulbs, and creating reusable air filters and custom-built interior storm windows. Visit www.energysaversnetwork.org to apply for this free service, sign up as a volunteer, or learn some additional Energy Saving Tips you can do at home on your own.