Thanks to Tina Cotton of Andover Cable TV, a telecast of the October 19 “Financing Alternative Energy Projects” workshop may be viewed soon on Andover Cable TV Comcast Channel 8 and also on Andover.NH.us. The workshop featured presentations by Steve Condon, marketing director for ReVision Energy, and Tyler Gilday, vice president for retail lending at Lake Sunapee Bank, as well as a lively question and answer session.
The Andover Energy Group has compiled the following information for Andover residents from a variety of sources.
Winter Heating Assistance
From the NHEC newsletter, September 2013:
If you or someone you know is having trouble paying for heat during the winter season, the Co-op can put you in touch with at least three programs that can help.
Statewide EAP: Qualified members of the New Hampshire Electric Co-op (NHEC) can receive discounts on their monthly electric bills through the Statewide Electric Assistance Program (Statewide EAP), ranging from 8% to 77% of their total bill.
Fuel Assistance Program (FAP): Members can also take advantage of the Governor’s Office of Energy and Community Services Fuel Assistance Program (FAP). As funds become available, the FAP provides benefits to qualified New Hampshire households to assist with heating costs. Renters and homeowners are eligible for the FAP.
To received assistance from both the Statewide EAP and FAP, recipients must meet income eligibility guidelines. To apply for assistance or for more information, contact your local Community Action Agency. For Andover residents, that’s the Community Action Program of Belknap and Merrimack Counties, in Franklin, at 934-2675.
Project Care: Project Care is a nonprofit, charitable organization developed to provide assistance paying electric bills for NHEC members who are in an emergency situation. The majority of Project Care’s funding comes from the NHEC Foundation, which is funded by Co-op members who agree to have their monthly bill rounded up to the next dollar, with the proceeds benefiting the Foundation.
Applicants are eligible for Project Care emergency assistance only once in a 12-month period. Project Care is intended to be used as an option of last resort. Members should not apply to the programs listed above before considering application to Project Care. For program guidelines or more information, contact Member Solutions at (800) 698-2007.
Lakes Region Energy Expo
Saturday, November 2 , 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Lakes Region Energy Expo: $ensible Answers to Your Energy Questions is free and open to the public. The day-long event will include workshops by experts on energy efficiency and renewables; tours of local energy efficient and solar homes and businesses; and a marketplace of products and services. The Expo will be held at Kingswood Regional High School in Wolfeboro.
If you’ve been thinking about doing something to save energy and money but are not sure where to start, or if you’re an expert looking to keep current on best practices in energy efficiency and renewables, the Lakes Region Energy Expo has something for everyone. Exhibitors and workshops will help attendees learn a wide range of energy saving strategies including insulating and sealing your home, the myths and marketing hype around windows, and a close-up look at renewable energy options like solar hot water and electricity. The “Stump the Chump” workshop provides an opportunity for you to ask the experts your specific energy questions.
For more information visit LakesRegionEnergyExpo.com or call 630-2708.
“Button Up” Workshop Hosts Wanted
From the Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative:
We are looking for non-profit organizations, municipal energy committees, and businesses interested in educating their members, employees, and the general public about sustainability who are interested in hosting a Button Up New Hampshire workshop in their community in 2013 or 2014. The workshop teaches the basics of energy efficiency regarding electricity and heating fuels.
As an example, Liberty Utilities will be funding some of the workshops and currently there are funds to assist non-profit organizations with coordinating and publicizing the workshops. If you think you can turn out an audience of 20 participants, we want to hear from you.
The workshops are conducted by BPI.org Certified Building Analysts who have successfully delivered this 90+ minute presentation to hundreds of people around the state. The current Button Up New Hampshire Workshop Presentation can be found at TinyURL.com/Beacon-Button-Up.
For more information or to express interest, please contact Sandra Jones at Sandra@nullPlymouthEnergy.org or 536-5030.
Energy Efficiency for Businesses
The Retail Merchants Association of New Hampshire’s Energy Efficiency Program, Giving Back Power, has been extended through June of 2014. RMANH members and small to mid-sized businesses may apply for a comprehensive energy audit, the cost of which will be 50% reimbursed by RMANH.
The Giving Back Power program invites new applicants. Please note that municipal buildings, churches, and residential properties are not eligible to apply. Please contact Amanda Holden at Amanda@nullrmanh.com or 225-9748.
Energy Efficiency Incentives
The New Hampshire CORE Utilities (Liberty Utilities, NHEC, PSNH and Unitil) have introduced a new energy efficiency incentive program designed to assist residents with the purchase and installation of new or replacement ENERGY STAR-qualified heating, cooling, and water heating equipment.
To be eligible for the mail-in incentive program, applicants must have a residential electric account at the location where the equipment will be installed. This program is limited to residential customers, and covers products purchased and installed on or after April 1 and through December 31, 2013, and is available on a first come, first served basis, while funding is available. Visit NHsaves.com/heatingcooling for a status of available funding by utility.
Eligible equipment includes:
Heating: Furnaces, hot water boilers, combo boilers with on-demand hot water, and steam boilers.
Cooling: Central air systems, air source heat pumps, and ductless mini-split heat pumps.
Water heating: Tankless, standalone storage, indirect, and heat pump.
Heating control: Seven-day programmable thermostats and after-market boiler reset controllers.
For more information, visit NHsaves.com/heatingcooling, or contact NHEC.