Renton households to get help cutting energy use with Home Energy Reports

November 18, 2010 1:36 pm

Qualifying Renton households are receiving free, customized “Home Energy Reports” designed to help reduce household energy usage.

These bi-monthly reports will show how a household’s energy usage compares with similar-sized homes in the same neighborhood. They are designed to help residents make more informed decisions about their household energy usage and, ultimately, lower their energy bills.

The year-long program is being funded by Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and a federal energy-efficiency block grant the city received as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

A group of Eastside cities, known as the C7 New Energy Partnership, have joined with PSE and OPOWER, national industry leader in energy efficiency and Smart Grid software, to offer the reports to qualified residents.

“Home Energy Reports are an easy way for home owners to measure their energy efficiency,” said Alex Pietsch, Administrator, Community and Economic Development Department. “We hope Renton residents will use this information to conserve energy, save on their utility bills and, in turn, help protect the environment.”

The easy-to-understand reports will provide participants useful information on their electricity and natural gas use, including:

  • Comparison to neighbors: Participants will be able to see how their electricity and natural gas use compares to the aggregate usage of neighbors in similar-sized homes. Each participant’s energy information will be kept confidential; only they will see their personal information.
  • Progress tracker: Participants will see how their energy use changes over time so they can set targets for energy savings and track the effectiveness of any energy-reducing steps they make.
  • Personalized energy-efficiency tips: On each report, participants will receive tips chosen specifically for them based on their energy use and the characteristics of their home.

    Updated, personalized reports will be delivered every two months for the next year to help raise energy awareness and measure the energy savings achieved. Residents may opt out at any time by calling a PSE Energy Advisor at 1-800- 562-1482, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.