TVA, Local Power Distributors Extend Free Home Energy Audit

October 22, 2008

Because the program has been successful in encouraging Tennessee Valley residents to use energy more efficiently, TVA and local power distributors are extending the free Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit through October 2009.

More than 41,000 Valley residents have taken the energy audit since mid-January, and 75 percent of those who responded to recent surveys said they have made changes in their home energy use as a result.

Participants who complete the online or mail-in version of the home energy audit receive a free starter kit and Personal Energy Profile Report that suggests ways residents can save money on their electric bills.

“We have seen that residents in the Valley are interested in doing their part to save energy and money, and we are encouraged by just how much they are changing the way they use energy,” TVA Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Vice President Joe Hoagland said. “Our survey shows that virtually all participants who made changes are reducing lighting use, and more than 90 percent are making changes in cooking habits and the heating and cooling of their homes.”

Lighting changes include turning off lights and replacing standard incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs). Home heating and cooling changes include increasing the temperature on the cooling system at least eight hours per day, decreasing the temperature for the heating system at least eight hours per day and avoiding the use of electric space heaters.

“Lighting, heating and cooling contribute to about 63 percent of the average consumer’s monthly energy bill in the Valley,” said Hoagland. “Consumers who use all the contents of the free starter kits could see a savings ranging from $2 to $4 on monthly power bills, depending on their individual energy use. Following all the recommendations from the audit could save as much as 20 percent on annual utility costs.”

Survey respondents said they are using microwaves more, avoiding opening refrigerator and freezer doors unnecessarily, and using their dishwashers’ energy-saving features or air drying the dishes in the dishwasher.

Other survey results showed that 88 percent of those making changes have implemented water heater or water usage energy-saving measures; 46 percent have added insulation, 82 percent are washing clothes in cold water and 77 percent are making sure they turn off computers when not in use.

Residents may take the home energy audit online by visiting www.tva.com or request a paper copy of the audit from their local power distributor or by calling 1-800-663-1835. Each kit includes a comprehensive “How to Save” brochure and two compact fluorescent light bulbs that use 75 percent less electricity and last 10 times longer than traditional light bulbs. The kit also includes:

• A filter whistle that sounds when the heating or cooling system filter is 80 percent clogged and needs to be changed
• Outlet and light switch gaskets – insulation to help stop drafts and save energy
• Faucet aerators (two) – water-saving filters that improve efficiency
• Hot water temperature card that measures temperature of hot tap water and indicates if a thermostat adjustment is needed to save money and prevent water scalds
• Energy-use thermometer gauge that helps check energy costs for heating and cooling. Each degree thermostats are set back eight hours a day can reduce heating bills by as much as 3 percent, and up to 5 percent on cooling bills.

energy right® Heat Pump Financing Available

Valley consumers also may apply for 6-percent financing through the energy right® Heat Pump Financing Program to purchase high energy efficient heat pumps. Participating local power companies will have additional information.

Information on energy efficient technologies, cost-saving tips, an energy resource library and do-it-yourself cost comparisons are available at www.tva.com. Energy-saving information for students is also available at www.tvakids.com.

TVA is the nation’s largest public power provider and is completely self-financing. TVA provides power to large industries and 159 power distributors that serve approximately 8.8 million consumers in seven southeastern states. TVA also manages the Tennessee River and its tributaries to provide multiple benefits, including flood damage reduction, navigation, water quality and recreation.

Media Contact

Jim Allen, Knoxville, (865) 632-7453
TVA News Bureau, Knoxville, (865) 632-6000

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