Back in August we reported on the forward-looking program called “Mass Save.” Free energy audits and upgrades of insulation and electric lights allow residents to save money and help eliminate any need for additional power plants in the region.

As part of Mass Save’s free audit of my own home, energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs were provided. They have performed well and I have saved over $20/month on my electric bill since then.

My insulation was inspected some cracks were identified in and around the attic. A crew of three came out in September for several hours and tightened them up with insulation. There was no charge. My savings this winter have ranged between 18% and 28% per month, except for the overly warm February when the savings reached 40%. My heating bill was $1,000 less than last year.

I am applying my electric bill savings to the “GreenUp Provider” program offered by National Grid. On their home page they list providers of electricity generated by wind, solar, and hydro sources, further reducing the reliance on coal-fired power plants in the region. As an example, for $7.50/month one can guarantee 50% of electricity will come from a certain GreenUp provider utilizing wind and small hydro; for $15.00/month one can guarantee 100% of electricity will come from the GreenUp provider. Or, you can select an option to add 2.4 cents per kWh to your bill (typically $10 to $15/mo) by going to www.massenergy.org.

Call Mass Save – and start saving!

Sincerely,

Roland Van Liew