Small Town News

Fight record temps with cool savings from Energize Delaware

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Red knot chosen as program spokesbird

Delawareans interested in reducing their energy bills by installing more efficient heating and cooling systems and lighting can take advantage of new $400 to $550 rebates offered by the Sustainable Energy Utility's Energize Delaware's Efficiency Plus for Homes program, which began July 7 at participating Delaware retailers.

Market research guiding the design of Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) programs shows that more than 80 percent of home energy consumption is from appliances, space heating and cooling, lighting and generating hot water - all areas now addressed by SEU Energize Delaware programs.

Delawareans visiting participating stores will see Energize Delaware's new spokesbird, Delaware SEU - pronounced Sue - in participating stores. SEU is a red knot, a Delaware shorebird with remarkable energy savvy. The red knot uses one fuel stop in Delaware to power the first leg of a 20,000-mile, round-trip migration flight.

By making the red knot its mascot, the SEU's Energize Delaware program is raising awareness about the connection between nature and wise energy consumption.

"By creatively leveraging federal resources, Delaware will provide long-term benefits to the economy and the environment," said Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O'Mara. "The SEU programs demonstrate how the emerging clean-energy economy is creating well-paying jobs for Delawareans, improving the environment and helping families cut their energy bills."

The programs will use federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act money and then leverage other sources, such as the expected federal HOME STAR program and regional greenhouse-gas initiative proceeds.

Call 877-624-4448 or visit EnergizeDelaware.org





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