Heat Smart Shares Results with Energy Industry
- May 29, 2015
- Heat Smart
Heat Smart Shares Results with Energy Industry
WOONSOCKET, RI – June 4, 2015 – The electric industry’s premiere trade association, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), will be holding their Annual Convention June 7-10. The convention draws thousands of electric utility professionals and showcases the industry’s latest innovations. Heat Smart, the innovative national energy efficiency program, will be attending to share exciting preliminary results from their winter pilot program. Conducted from December 15 through March 30 with North Carolina low-income families who use electric heat, the pilot program asked participants to turn the heat down at night and use Heat Smart kits to stay warm.
Energy usage data is still being analyzed, but behavior survey results show the number of respondents who set their thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees increased from 29% to 78%, despite the harsh 2014-15 winter weather North Carolina experienced.
“Even though all the numbers haven’t been crunched yet, we’re feeling positive. The behavior surveys tell us our efforts to change energy-consuming behavior worked,” said Donna Montaquila, Executive Director. “It also demonstrates that Heat Smart is an effective partner for utility companies and community assistance agencies who need proven programs to meet federal conservation mandates and spend assistance dollars for maximum impact.”
The low-cost program was conducted in partnership with Duke Energy, the North Carolina Community Action Association, and others. Heat Smart seeks to partner with others to reach more low income families.
“EEI promises to be an interesting gathering. They make a positive contribution to the electric power industry in its vital mission to provide electricity that fosters economic progress and improves the quality of life. Heat Smart can help with a part of that mission, in their outreach to improve the quality of life for low income families. I’m hoping to share that message, and the preliminary pilot program results, at EEI and show energy professionals what Heat Smart can do for utility companies.”
About Heat Smart
Headquartered in Woonsocket, RI, Heat Smart’s mission is to distribute quality, low-cost blankets, weatherstripping and educational materials to low income households in an effort to help them save money and reduce overall energy use. Their energy efficiency program has already made a big difference to over 500,000 households in 25 states. They are committed to fostering and developing additional successful partnerships with local Community Action Programs and Energy/Utility companies across the country as a cost-effective and efficient channel to distribute Heat Smart kits. More information can be found at: www.heatsmart.net.
For immediate release
For more information contact:
Donna Montaquila, Executive Director, Heat Smart
401.481.8107, donna@northwestwoolen.com