Listen to this articleSTILLWATER — Stillwater Electric Utility customers whose homes are 10 years or older are eligible to participate in a free Home Energy Audit pilot program. The audit can help customers identify ways to conserve energy and what measures may improve efficiency.
The home audits are free to customers and are on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning mid-August 2024. Customers who want to participate need to complete the online form at stillwaterok.gov/energysaving.
“Stillwater Electric Utility is committed to finding innovative ways to support electric conservation and support sustainability efforts in our community,” Loren Smith, electric utility director said. “We are excited to offer this service to our customers and believe it will help them identify energy losses within their home and possibly help identify ways to lower utility expenses.”
Once the participation forms have been received, customers will be contacted by Precise Building Performance LLC, a third-party contractor, to schedule the audit. The home energy audit will involve a blower door test, inspection of insulation in the attic, evaluation of the HVAC system and ductwork and inspection of windows to name a few items. Customers will receive a detailed report upon completion of their home energy audit. The report will highlight areas of energy loss and recommend solutions.
“With the constant change in our weather and extreme temperatures, this year’s utility rate study and associated changes, and transition to AMI Residential Electric Meters – we encourage our customers to utilize this free pilot program,” City Manager Kimberly Meek included. “We want customers to be fully engaged in efficiency efforts within their own home and our community.”
The Grand River Dam Authority provided a $15,000 sponsorship to the Stillwater Utilities Authority (SUA) for the pilot program. The pilot program will continue until the sponsorship funds are exhausted. Each audit is estimated to cost $325 which will allow for 46 participants.
The pilot program will provide information for Stillwater Electric Utility to evaluate the popularity and viability of funding this program in the future. Upon completion of the pilot program, staff will prepare a report to the SUA Trustees that outlines the number of customers who utilized the program, those who are interested in future participation and staff proposals regarding the next steps.