Columbia Gas of Virginia Receives Approval of Conservation and Energy Efficiency Plan
For Release:
December 7, 2009
Contact: Bob Innes
(804) 768-6410
(804) 512-1425 - cellular
rinnes@nisource.com
New program will reduce energy consumption and create financial savings
Columbia Gas of Virginia customers will soon be able to take advantage of a wide variety of money-saving conservation and energy efficiency measures in their homes and businesses under a plan approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (Commission). Columbia’s energy conservation program will provide direct support to its residential and small business customers in implementing cost-saving energy conservation measures beginning in January, 2010. Columbia’s program will also integrate the Company’s continuing support of state and federal sponsored weatherization programs targeting residential low-income customers to help achieve energy efficiency in their homes.
“Columbia is pleased to be able to help our customers save money by focusing on their efficient use of natural gas. We believe that support for energy efficiency is critical both to individual customers by providing a tool to manage their energy costs while also supporting the broader goal of promoting conservation of our energy resources,” said Carl Levander, president, Columbia Gas of Virginia. “By participating in Columbia’s conservation program, our customers can take advantage of appliance rebates, incentives and other energy conservation opportunities that will help reduce their individual cost of energy during these difficult economic times.”
Columbia will offer a variety of energy conservation programs for residential and small business owners that are intended to help these customers reduce the amount of natural gas they use through a combination of financial incentives and educational information. Highlights of the program include:
• A variety of rebates to homeowners and small business customers for installing measures such as high efficiency natural gas hot water tanks, tankless hot water heaters, furnaces, insulation and windows.
• A web-based home energy audit that will provide customers with detailed information about their current energy use and suggested actions designed to improve home energy efficiency. Participation in the audit will also allow residential customers to receive free energy savings measures such as hot water blankets, faucet aerators, low flow shower heads and water pipe insulation.
• A partnership with the New River Center for Energy Research and Training (NCERT), based in Christiansburg, Virginia, to provide funding for energy auditor training programs, thus allowing more audits to be conducted for low income homes that qualify for Virginia’s Weather Assistance Program (WAP).
• A dedicated web site providing education about the environmental importance of energy efficiency and conservation. The site will also be the primary point of access for rebate programs, the home audit program and links to other sites providing information and rebates.
• A trade ally program to create linkages with equipment installation companies and service providers across Columbia’s operating area to help maximize awareness and understanding of the Company’s energy conservation program.
Columbia Gas of Virginia will invest $8.5 million over three years (2010-2012) to implement these energy efficiency programs. A customer participating in the program can save from $90 to $350 annually in reduced energy costs.
Levander also recognized the significant contributions of many key stakeholders provided throughout this process with a positive result for our customers.
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