##PRESS RELEASE##
For Immediate Release
More Than 50 Low-Income Homes in Greater Charlottesville Area to Receive Energy-Efficiency, HVAC Upgrades
Charlottesville, VA
The Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) is excited to announce a new grant award from Dominion Energy Virginia to reduce energy usage in low-income households and enhance workforce development in the Greater Charlottesville area. The awarding of this grant is very timely as the region transitions from warmer to cooler temperatures as well as the rise in related home-heating expenses.
“LEAP is thrilled that Dominion Energy selected us to partner with them in assisting low-income households in the region to reduce their energy usage and costs. Replacing aged heating and cooling systems along with adding insulation to homes will make them significantly more comfortable during the upcoming frigid winter months,” stated LEAP’s Executive Director Chris Meyer.
”By funding the upfront costs for these upgrades, we will be able to reduce long-term heating and cooling expenses,” said Maria Tamburri, Senior Community Engagement Policy Director for Dominion Energy. “Pairing our EnergyShare resources with LEAP’s expertise will make a meaningful difference for these customers and the community.”
The EnergyShare grant includes resources to replace old heating and cooling systems in 40 of the region’s mobile homes, an additional 10 system replacements in Albemarle County single-family homes, new systems for some of Piedmont Housing Alliance’s units, and health and safety repairs performed by Albemarle Home Improvement Program. 20 members of Piedmont Housing Alliance and LEAP’s existing staff will also receive additional training and certifications in HVAC systems, Retrofit Installer Technician, Energy Auditor, and Green Building management as part of the grant.
The grant will allow for more households to be served and for participating households to be assessed from a systems perspective, rather than simply implementing a few energy-efficiency measures in each home. For example, by being able to replace equipment along with completing the usual air sealing and insulation addition to attics, LEAP expects to reduce energy use by 40-50%. That type of energy savings can be significant during the winter months, when heating use can peak households’ energy usage.
“LEAP looks forward to starting work right away to try and serve as many households as possible before winter arrives. If you know of a low-income neighbor whose heating system isn’t functioning properly, please have them give us a call,” shared Meyer.
“We value this partnership opportunity because we know we cannot do this alone. EnergyShare has helped nearly 850,000 customers through bill assistance and weatherization since we started the program in 1982. Our continued success depends on strong -working relationships in the community, such as these,” said Tamburri.
CONTACT: Erin Morgan, Marketing and Outreach Manager, Local Energy Alliance Program, erin@leap-va.org, 540-407-2412
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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; healthier, safer, and more durable buildings; and local jobs and economic growth.
Website: leap-va.org | energysmarthomesva.org
Email: info@leap-va.org
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