Horizon Utilities Home Assistance Program Surpasses 7,500 Local Participants

Through an ongoing Home Assistance program, Horizon Utilities has delivered $7.5 million in energy efficient home improvements to homeowners and tenants in Hamilton and St. Catharines, ON.

Since the program was launched in the summer of 2012, almost 7,500 homeowners have enrolled, more than 14,000,000 kWh have been saved annually, and more than 500 refrigerators replaced.

“Collaboration with our community partners was instrumental to the success of this program,” says Brian Smith, Chief Conservation Officer at Horizon Utilities. “Engaging local organizations through programs like this is helping us build a better community.”

CityHousing Hamilton has been a primary participant in the program, and its tenants have benefitted.

“The Home Assistance Program has allowed CityHousing Hamilton residents to receive upgrades of energy efficient products like lighting, fridges and air conditioners, resulting in significant electricity savings, while improving quality of life,” explains Sean Botham, Energy Projects Coordinator at CityHousing Hamilton. “These conservation measures are estimated to provide over $260,000 in annual electricity savings for CHH and tenants.”

The program is sponsored by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), and Horizon Utilities has partnered with Honeywell to perform detailed in-home energy assessments as well as providing professional installation of energy-saving measures and advice on ways to save more energy for those who meet the criteria.

During an inspection, simple recommendations and upgrades are made on the spot and some participants may be eligible for a new, energy-efficient refrigerator at no cost to them. The energy efficiency and comfort level can be improved significantly through the installation of energy-saving light bulbs, power bars, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators.

The Home Assistance program will continue to offer free energy efficient upgrades until the end of December.

Find out more: www.horizonutilities.com/pages/blogdetails.aspx.