News Summary
As summer temperatures rise, Chattanooga residents are encouraged to take action to lower energy costs. The Electric Power Board (EPB) is offering free energy consultations through its Energy Pros program. Since 2020, the program has assisted thousands of residents with energy-saving insights. The EPB is also promoting additional resources, such as rebate programs for home energy improvements, to help the community manage their energy use better. Simple tips for reducing electricity bills are also shared, making it easier for families to cope with increased summer energy demands.
Chattanooga residents are being urged to take action to reduce their energy costs as temperatures are expected to soar this summer. With ongoing heat waves, increased air conditioning use will likely lead to a rise in monthly electricity bills, prompting the Electric Power Board (EPB) to offer assistance through its Energy Pros program.
The Energy Pros program, established in 2020, aims to help residents save money on their power bills by providing free energy consultations. These consultations can be conducted either over the phone or in person at customers’ homes. Nate Thomasson, a member of the EPB Energy Pros team, notes that the program has become increasingly important given the anticipated weather conditions.
Since its inception, Energy Pros has conducted around 2,500 home energy checkups, providing residents with valuable insights on potential energy savings. This initiative is part of a broader effort to empower the community in managing their energy consumption better and to offer practical solutions for reducing energy costs.
Practical Energy Savings Tips
Residents are encouraged to implement several straightforward strategies to help cut down on energy expenses. Some common tips include:
- Setting the thermostat to the highest comfortable temperature.
- Turning off ceiling fans when leaving a room, as they do not lower the air temperature.
- Switching from incandescent to LED light bulbs to save on electricity.
- Keeping all exterior doors, including garage doors, closed to prevent heat entry.
- Changing return air filters every 30 to 90 days for optimal efficiency.
- Reapplying sealant and weather strips around windows and doors to reduce air leaks.
- Closing blinds or curtains on the sunny side of the house to minimize heat gain.
- Keeping interior doors open to improve airflow within the home.
- Avoiding the use of stoves or ovens when possible, to reduce additional heat.
Additional Resources for Residents
For those looking to make substantial energy improvements, EPB offers various rebate programs for efficiency upgrades and HVAC tune-ups performed by qualified contractors. The Home Uplift program also provides significant assistance for low-income homeowners, offering up to $10,000 in energy improvements. This initiative has already benefited over 900 residents, including many elder citizens on fixed incomes.
Reducing the community’s overall power demand can indirectly lead to lower energy rates for EPB customers by decreasing costs associated with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Recommendations from TVA’s EnergyRight program include setting thermostats to 78 degrees during summer months, which can further help manage energy use.
Energy Consultation Scheduling
Residents interested in the free energy consultations can schedule them from Monday to Friday, with time slots spanning two hours. The waiting period for an appointment typically ranges from one day to two weeks. This simple step could lead to significant savings on energy costs as the sweltering summer heat approaches.
For assistance or to schedule a consultation, residents can reach out to the Energy Pros team at 423-648-1372 or visit epb.com/energypros. Additionally, the Energy Pros team has developed a YouTube playlist featuring over 4.5 million views, offering diverse energy-saving tips to assist residents in lowering their electricity bills effectively.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: 9 Tips for Chattanooga Summer Energy Savings
- Local 3 News: EPB Offers Summer Energy Tips
- Local 3 News: HVAC Company Provides Energy-Bill Tips
- Wikipedia: Electricity
- Times Free Press: TVA Adjusts Energy Efficiency Rebates
