Spreading the word in Mesa County about energy efficiency

A team of 11 AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps members recently began a five-week service project in Mesa County to support a partnership between public and private entities dedicated to energy efficiency.

The AmeriCorps NCCC team will be canvassing neighborhoods, talking with residents at farmers' markets, and introducing new energy efficiency services to business owners throughout the county.

Their goal is to promote the Grand Valley Energy Alliance's “Red Door Challenge” program that gives residents opportunities to save 25% or more on their home utility bills.

The Grand Valley Energy Alliance is made up of local jurisdictions, utility companies, and other public and private organizations.

Once residents have signed up, the local utility company, Xcel Energy, will work with its partners Lightly Treading, Frost Busters and Coolth, as well as Energy Wise, to implement energy audits that point out ways homeowners can take action.

Common issues include improving ventilation, sealing and insulating, and improving lighting and windows. These audits, valued between $300 and $450, are being offered for a reduced price through rebates and stimulus money, or could even be free for low-income qualifying homes, courtesy of Housing Resources of Western Colorado.

The AmeriCorps team will also be promoting energy efficiency services offered through the “GreenBack$” program, a collaboration of the GJ Chamber of Commerce, the Palisade Chamber and the Fruita Chamber. The program is designed to encourage Mesa County businesses to make decisions that save them money and resources.

“The work that this enthusiastic team is doing will be invaluable to our local efforts to be more energy efficient,” said Kathy Portner, neighborhood services manager for the City of Grand Junction, one of the project sponsors.

Information about the residential program is located online at www.reddoorchallenge.com and information about the business program can be found at www.greenbacksproject.com.

— Free Press Staff Report