Oct. 8, 2010, Denver, Colo. – This morning, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter gave recognition and thanks to the 600+ residents in Denver and Jefferson Counties who have had their homes upgraded with weatherization services that promote energy efficiency. In timing with the beginning of October – National Energy Awareness Month – the Governor encourages income-qualified residents to sign up for free weatherization upgrades. These services help homes consume less energy, make residents warmer and safer, and reduce utility bills year round.
600+ Low-Income Homes Weatherized in Denver/JeffCo
At a “Milestone Home” celebration hosted at the home of Denver resident Eric Lopez, the Governor spoke about the importance of weatherization to an audience gathered in front of the home. By making simple repairs – such as replacing or repairing outdated appliances, sealing windows to keep cold air out, and insulating attics and crawlspaces – residents can dramatically lower their utility bills while improving the comfort of their home. View photos on Flickr.
Lopez received free weatherization services from Veterans Green Jobs, a nonprofit committed to connecting military veterans with meaningful opportunities in the green jobs economy. Veterans Green Jobs works with its partner, EnergyLogic Solutions, to provide these services to income-qualified residents at no cost. Veterans Green Jobs has a contract with the Governor’s Energy Office to weatherize 1,700 homes in 18 months, leveraging stimulus dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The contract was signed February 22 of this year.
Stimulus Funding Leads to Jobs
Governor Ritter pointed out that dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act also help create jobs. Statewide the Governor’s Energy Office weatherization program has sustained about 250 jobs and created an additional 150 jobs, thanks to these federal dollars. The Veterans Green Jobs Denver/Jefferson County Weatherization Services program has created 32 jobs, 18 of which are held by military veterans.
How to Qualify
Residents who are already receiving financial assistance under other programs may qualify for free weatherization upgrades. Those programs include Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and Supplemental Security Income. Eligibility can also be determined by household income, including households making up to 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Priority service may also be given to persons who are considered elderly, disabled, low-income or single parents, as well as clients whose homes are considered to bear high energy costs or a high energy burden. To learn more, Denver and Jefferson County residents are asked to visit http://veteransgreenjobs.org/denver-and-jefferson-county. Residents in other metro area counties can also visit www.rechargecolorado.com to learn about income-qualified weatherization and other energy-saving programs and incentives.
Saving on Utility Costs
According to EnergyLogic Solutions, heating and cooling accounts for about 43 percent of a home’s monthly utility bill, and appliances and home electronics account for about 20 percent. By ensuring adequate insulation and sealing, and installing high-efficiency appliances – such as furnaces, refrigerators and washers/dryers – residents can save up to 25 percent on their monthly bills. Research from the U.S. Energy Information Administration demonstrates that residents can save an annual average of $437 in utility bills by taking simple steps to improving their homes’ systems.
About Veterans Green Jobs
Veterans Green Jobs is a national nonprofit dedicated to connecting veterans with meaningful opportunities in the green jobs economy. With a focus on stable economic sectors related to environmental restoration, preservation and sustainability; clean and renewable energy; and energy efficiency and conservation, Veterans Green Jobs’ programs help military veterans transition into successful, sustainable career opportunities. More information can be found at www.veteransgreenjobs.org.
About EnergyLogic Solutions
EnergyLogic Inc. is a leading provider of home energy efficiency services, consulting, training, and software services. Since it was founded in 2006, EnergyLogic has completed more than 10,000 home energy audits, trained more than 400 energy raters and auditors across the United States and developed two software tools. It is quickly expanding to serve a dramatic increase in government programs aimed at improving energy efficiency in residential homes, commercial buildings and public institutions. EnergyLogic is based in Berthoud, Colorado, about 45 miles north of Denver. Learn more at www.nrglogic.com.
About the Governor’s Energy Office
The Governor’s Energy Office was created by an Executive Order on April 16, 2007. The GEO’s
mission is to lead Colorado to a New Energy Economy by advancing energy efficiency and
renewable, clean energy resources. The GEO works with communities, utilities, private and public organizations and individuals to promote renewable energy such as wind, solar, and geothermal, and energy efficiency technologies in commercial and residential buildings. The New Energy Economy benefits Colorado by attracting and creating jobs, protecting our natural environment and building energy security. More information can be found at www.rechargecolorado.com.
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Media contacts:
Veterans Green Jobs: Linda Lidov / (303) 358-6279 / linda@veteransgreenjobs.org
EnergyLogic Solutions: Hilarie Portell / (720) 810-3906 / hilarie@portellworks.com
Governor’s Energy Office: Todd Hartman / (303) 866-2262 / todd.hartman@state.co.us
Hire a Veteran
Green sector employers with job openings, and metro Denver households who need home performance services: Hire our veterans.
We have a volunteer task for anyone who can give a few hours of time.
