Energy program helps Nevada homeowners see green
By Ben Miller, Reno Gazette-Journal
Homeowners in the Reno area have begun to retrofit their houses for energy efficiency through a Nevada State Office of Energy rebate program.
The program, which is called the Nevada Home Energy Fitness Campaign, offers rebates of $1,000 for homeowners who have improved their energy efficiency by at least 20 percent, said David Gibson, community services director for Envirolution, the nonprofit coordinating the rebates.
The Nevada State Office of Energy (NSOE) received a $5 million grant for the Nevada Home Energy Fitness Campaign. The goal is to retrofit at least 5 percent, or 50,000, of all single-family homes in Nevada by 2021.
Once upgrades have been made, participants will receive a second assessment to ensure the 20 percent energy efficiency upgrades have been achieved, and then will receive a $1,000 rebate on their initial investment of at least $2,000.
About a dozen homeowners have taken advantage of the program so far, Gibson said.
“If you’re cutting your energy usage by 20 percent, you’re cutting your energy bill by 20 percent or more,” Gibson said. “The savings can really add up.”
