##PRESS RELEASE##
For Immediate Release
Warrenton, VA
The Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) recently unveiled the results of a full-neighborhood energy-efficiency retrofit project – including 7 Fletcherville, VA homes – along with a live demonstration of the work still being done. To help reduce the high energy bills these residents face due to poor insulation and inefficient HVAC systems, LEAP partnered with Dominion Energy to provide energy-efficient, cost-reducing upgrades to their homes. The work was done at no cost to the tenants or property management and LEAP plans to make improvements to at least 8 more properties in the neighborhood.
Thanks to support from Dominion Energy’s EnergyShare program and collaboration with housing nonprofit Foothills Housing Corporation, improvements such as attic insulation, air sealing, highly efficient bathroom fans equipped with smart switches, hot water pipe insulation, and energy-efficient LED bulbs have left the tenants healthy and safe, while saving them money on their monthly electric bills.
John Reid, Executive Director of Foothills Housing Corporation (FHC), is thrilled with this collaboration and its contribution to furthering affordable housing in the area. “Foothills Housing Corporation’s long-standing mission to provide safe, decent, and affordable housing has been terrifically impacted by the partnership with LEAP. The improvements made directly affect our tenants, who pay their own utility costs, allowing them a noticeably more affordable home, and assists FHC with its efforts to provide affordable housing in this region.”
To celebrate and showcase this program, LEAP facilitated a short tour of one of the retrofitted homes today, speaking with beneficiaries, technical staff, and local residents, as well as visited an in-progress project. Attendees included representatives from Dominion Energy, Fauquier Climate Change Group, local municipal staff, nonprofit leaders, and community members.
“Through the work we are doing with LEAP we will be able to reduce heating and cooling expenses while keeping homes comfortable during the summer and winter,” said Tonya Byrd, Community Engagement Policy Manager for Dominion Energy. “We’re happy to lend EnergyShare’s resources and work with LEAP to provide much-needed support.”
The local Fauquier Climate Change Group co-hosted the showcase event and added their support for LEAP’s efforts, stating, “As we ramp up our push for new cultural norms and technologies to get us to a zero-carbon world, we can bridge the gap to this future by using our current, largely fossil fuel-based energy sources more efficiently. LEAP is doing important work on this front by giving others the ability to get the same amount of utility from less fossil fuel. We need companies like Foothill Housing Corporation, and individual homeowners and renters, to support efforts like LEAP’s that help stem global warming.”
“LEAP is really excited about serving residents in the Fauquier area,” stated LEAP’s Executive Director, Chris Meyer. “Much of the ‘affordable housing’ in the area isn’t affordable when you consider the high utility bills. The energy-efficiency improvements we can bring to these homes for free can ensure the long-term affordability of the homes.”
All of the stakeholders involved in this project look forward to continuing their work together to bring comfort and savings to more Northern Virginia residents in the future.
Key Project Stats:
- Homes Completed: 7
- Improvements: Air sealing, attic insulation, floor insulation, duct sealing, water heater wrap, water heater pipe insulation, LED bulb installation
- Remaining Planned Homes: 8
- Potential HVAC improvements: 6 homes
- LEAP hopes to replace the current electric baseboard heat and window A/C units with ductless mini-split systems
- Total Estimated Dominion EnergyShare Program Rebates Used: To date around $30,000, on average around $4,200 per home
- Additional Issues Resolved: Duct repairs, venting/adding/replacing bathroom fans for indoor air quality and moisture control
Residents can sign up for LEAP services at their home here: bit.ly/LEAP-Fletcherville-Sign-Up.
CONTACT: Erin Morgan, Marketing and Outreach Manager, Local Energy Alliance Program, erin@leap-va.org, 540-407-2412
###
The Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Charlottesville, VA. As a trusted nonprofit, LEAP delivers direct education and services for improved energy performance that address climate change; create cost savings for families and businesses; enable healthier, safer, and more durable buildings; and bolster local jobs and economic growth.
Website: leap-va.org
Email: info@leap-va.org
Facebook: Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP)
Twitter: @LEAP_VA
facebook
twitter
LEAP instagram