The Shadow
CHESTER, VA (VR) – Today, as customers continue to look for ways to save on their energy bills, Columbia Gas of Virginia is offering a reminder about its energy efficiency programs that are available to help and sharing why July is a great time to apply.
“We’ve seen a significant increase this year in customers who want to have access to affordable energy year-round, with the added benefit of reducing their carbon footprint,” said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. “And this is a great time of year to apply to our WarmWise programs and implement energy-saving changes before heating season starts in the fall.”
Available Energy Efficiency Programs
The Online Home Energy Audit Program offers residential customers an opportunity at no cost to learn more about how their home uses energy. Customers receive personalized recommendations for saving money and reducing their energy usage. Once they complete the audit, qualifying customers will receive a free energy efficiency kit.
Through the Home Savings Program, Columbia Gas residential customers who qualify can apply for rebates to help offset the cost of higher efficiency equipment when replacing older, less efficient equipment. Rebate amounts include:
- $1 off per square foot on high efficiency windows, doors and skylights
- $50 off an ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat
- $50 off an ENERGY STAR natural gas clothes dryer
- Up to $250 off a high efficiency natural gas water heater
- Up to $500 off a high efficiency natural gas furnace
- $100 off a high efficiency direct vent gas fireplace
Additional energy saving tips:
- Maintain your furnace: Schedule your annual furnace tune-up, ideally before cold weather arrives. A licensed HVAC technician can make sure your furnace is clean and safe before its season-long workout. Remember to change filters according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
- Save on water: Do not set your water heater temperature higher than 120 degrees to help save energy and avoid scalding. When using the dishwasher, opt for the short cycle and turn off the drying cycle when possible.
- Seal cracks and leaks: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, fixing leaks around the house can reduce energy expenses by five to 30 percent. Spending a day caulking or weatherstripping your windows and doors will help seal air leaks, which may be significant energy drains.
For more information on our energy efficiency programs, as well as more home energy tips, visit our website at www.columbiagasva.com/
About Columbia Gas of Virginia
Columbia Gas of Virginia delivers clean, affordable and efficient natural gas to approximately 293,000 customers in 98 communities across the Commonwealth. With headquarters in Chesterfield County, it is one of six regulated utility companies of NiSource (NYSE: NI), one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States. NiSource employees are focused on our mission to deliver safe, reliable energy that drives value to our customers. More information about Columbia Gas of Virginia and NiSource, including our record of leadership in sustainability, investments in the communities we serve, and how we live our vision to be an innovative and trusted energy partner, is available at www.ColumbiaGasVA.com and www.NiSource.com.
