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Energizing Indiana Wants Hoosiers to Save Energy this October

Initiative recognizes U.S. Dept. of Energy’s October campaign to save energy

Energizing Indiana encourages Hoosiers to take action in October to reduce energy consumption.

Each year, the U.S. Department of Energy designates this month as Energy Action Month to highlight the importance of the energy used in day-to-day living, as well as ways to reduce the energy that is wasted.

Energizing Indiana, the state’s comprehensive energy efficiency initiative, wants residents, businesses and schools to use October to learn how to make more energy efficient choices and reduce our state’s energy demands. The initiative has multiple programs ranging from home energy assessments to discounted lighting and equipment rebates that can significantly impact the way Hoosiers use energy each day.

Since its inception, Energizing Indiana programs have saved nearly 675,000,000 kilowatt-hours, enough energy to power more than 54,000 Indiana homes for one year.

“The participation of citizens across the state is evidence that Hoosiers are conscious of and eager to decrease energy use, contributing to the well-being of our planet,” said Bob Nuss, Energizing Indiana managing director. “Not only are citizens reducing the use of resources but also benefiting from results through energy savings.”
One of the easiest ways to do your part is to sign up for a Residential Home Energy Assessment. During an assessment, an Energizing Indiana energy advisor visits a home, assesses its energy efficiency and installs energy saving measures, including compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), energy-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators. Following the assessment, the advisor creates a report for the homeowner listing steps he or she can take to further improve the performance of the home.

To sign up for your Home Energy Assessment, visit www.energizingindiana.com and click on “Residential Home Energy Assessments”, or call 1.888.446.7750.
SIDEBAR: Ten easy ways to save energy for Energy Action Month
1. Schedule your home energy assessment by visiting www.energizingindiana.com or calling 1.888.446.7750. Energizing Indiana programs are funded by utility rates and there are no separate fees to participate.
2. When shopping, look for Energizing Indiana displays featuring ENERGY STAR® lighting products at your local retailers.
3. Replace standard light bulbs with CFLs.
4. Unplug electronics when not in use.
5. When possible, wash clothes in cold water.
6. Check and replace dirty furnace and air-conditioner filters on a regular basis.
7. Use all major appliances early in the morning or late at night.
8. Avoid placing lamps or televisions near the thermostat.
9. Keep the refrigerator temperature between 35°F and 38°F and the freezer at 0°F.
10. When purchasing new appliances and electronics, look for the ENERGY STAR ® label.

About Energizing Indiana:

Energizing Indiana is a united effort by the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, participating utilities and consumer organizations to offer comprehensive statewide energy efficiency programs. The Energizing Indiana initiative began Jan. 2, 2012, and was created to help utilities achieve the significant energy savings required by an Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission order.

Nearly 80 percent of Hoosier homeowners are eligible for a Home Energy Assessment as customers of Indianapolis Power & Light (IPL), Duke Energy, NIPSCO, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), Indiana Municipal Power Agency (IMPA) or Vectren.

Energizing Indiana programs include Home Energy Assessments, lighting discounts, rebates for commercial and industrial properties, income-qualified weatherization and educational programs for schools.

Follow Energizing Indiana on Twitter @Energizing_IN or check out its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/EnergizingIndiana <http://www.facebook.com/EnergizingIndiana&gt; for energy-saving tips and program information.