UI, SCG and CNG Launch No-Cost Virtual Pre-Assessments to Help Residents Reduce Energy Use and Lower Utility Bills
Customers receive recommendations and an energy-saving bundle of energy-efficient lighting, power strips, and more
With many Connecticut residents working and spending more time at home, personal energy usage is likely to be higher than normal. To help residents reduce energy use and lower their utility bills, Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG), Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) and United Illuminating (UI), subsidiaries of AVANGRID, Inc., have launched a new and no-cost virtual pre-assessment that allows their Home Energy SolutionsSM program to continue without an on-premise technician.
“Many families are spending more time at home, which means their energy use is likely to go up,” said Larry Rush, Home Energy Solutions program manager, United Illuminating. “From more home-cooked meals and time watching television to working from home and running appliances, such as an increase in handwashing and water heating, our changing habits are affecting our energy use. Energy efficiency is the best way to control and reduce the costs of home energy usage.”
Once a customer is signed up for Home Energy Solutions SM, an energy expert conducts a virtual walk-through inspection of the home through a secure video-conferencing application. During the virtual pre-assessment, the customer is engaged to review identified areas such as heating and cooling equipment, water heater, appliances, lighting, windows, insulation, water use, and electronics.
Additionally, the energy expert will review the home’s fuel type, size, number of persons living in the home, and overall energy use. The energy expert will then provide a complete review including a list of recommendations and expectations for the customer’s in-home energy assessment that will be scheduled.
“The virtual pre-assessment allows us to practice safe social distancing and help customers identify areas where they can see immediate savings,” added Rush. “Customers will receive a pre-assessment bundle that may include energy-efficient LED lightbulbs and advanced power strips. A full home visit will occur at a later date to provide air sealing and other home energy-saving measures.”
In addition to the virtual home energy pre-assessment, UI offers resources and information to help customers better understand their energy usage and an online Energy Analyzer that offers targeted energy efficiency information, advice, and support to help customers achieve savings.
Home Energy Solutions offers $1,000 worth of on-the-spot weatherization and energy efficiency services to homeowners, renters, and property managers, as well as incentives and additional resources to further reduce energy use. The program has helped save customers an average of $200 annually on their energy bills.
The benefits of having an energy-efficient home.
- Save money. Efficiency measures can lower your monthly energy bill.
- Comfort. Imagine a comfortable home without hot and cold spots throughout the seasons.
- Value. Having an energy-efficient house is a great selling point and adds value to your home.
CNG, SCG, and UI customers also can take a free home energy efficiency quiz at GetEnergySmart.com to help determine how energy efficient their homes are before signing up. By answering a few simple questions, residents can easily learn to identify areas of concern, discover opportunities to lower energy bills, and begin making their homes more energy-efficient and comfortable.
To sign up for the virtual home energy assessment, please call 1-877-WISE-USE.