Senator encourages home energy audits

As serious drought conditions in Connecticut continue, State Senator Art Linares (R-33) said programs are available to help residents conserve water.

“Energy conservation and protecting the environment are things we all try to do, but for some state residents who get their water from wells, the situation has become dire,” Linares said, in a written statement. “This is why I hope residents who haven’t already had a home energy audit, will take advantage of a program offered by the state.”

Energize Connecticut’s Home Energy Solutions program provides in-home assessments where a utility-authorized contractor finds and fixes water and energy efficiency problems. In addition to sealing air leaks and installing energy-saving lightbulbs, they also install watersaving showerheads and faucet aerators that can reduce home water usage by at least 1,000 gallons each year.

“Many of my constituents are very conscious about their water usage and have become even more so during this drought,” Linares said. “Having water-saving devices installed can help prevent wells from running dry while we wait for enough rain to end this drought.”

The Home Energy Solutions program costs $124, but residents who meet income thresholds may have the fee waived. The service is estimated to save a typical homeowner $200 a year in energy costs.

For more information or to sign-up, visit EnergizeCT.com or call 877-WISE-USE (947-3873).

Energize Connecticut is funded by a charge on consumer energy bills.

Linares represents the communities of Chester, Clinton, Colchester, Deep River, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Lyme, Old Saybrook, Portland and Westbrook.