Representatives with Progress Energy were delighted to see such a large turnout for their Neighborhood Energy Saver Program kickoff event held January 4, at W.M. Anderson Primary School. The program provides energy-efficient improvements in the homes of low-income families at no cost to the customer. (Photo by Michaele Duke)

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The cafeteria at W.M. Anderson Primary School was filled to capacity with citizens ready to learn more about Progress Energy Neighborhood Energy Saver program (NES). The NES program, which provides energy-efficient improvements in the homes of low-income families at no cost to the customer, has been an ongoing effort.  Since its inception in 2009, roughly 9,000 homes in North and South Carolina have received upgrades that help to reduce customer energy use and household energy costs.
Progress Team Evans Taylor launched the January 4, kickoff, which included details of the energy-saving measures to be installed, the benefits of such measures and how the program will progress. Over the next few weeks, technicians will be installing the energy-saving measures in approximately 900 homes participating homes. The energy conservation measures cost Progress Energy an average $300 to install in each home, however, the savings to the consumer is roughly $100 per year if properly maintained. “This is a tremendous turnout and says a lot about the times we are all facing,” said Kingstree Town Manager Dan Wells who attended the program. Wells, who has lived in a number of communities, has not experienced such a worthy program. “None of the public utility companies has been as good a partner to the town and community as I have seen with Progress Energy.”
County Supervisor Stanley Pasley echoed Wells’ sentiments. “We are certainly excited about this initiative. They (Progress Energy) have been a partner in trying to assist Williamsburg County, the city and the residents in creating opportunities that will make a difference in their lives,” said Pasley. “It is really a Godsend that we have this opportunity for we all to take advantage of it…Anything that we can save in terms of household savings certainly can have a major impact on our daily lives.”
An energy advisor will conduct an assessment at each residence to identify the appropriate upgrades. Measures include installing compact fluorescent light bulbs, wrapping water heater and adjacent hot and cold water pipes, changing air filters, weather stripping, caulking and many other efficiency measures.
Residents also will receive education on energy-efficiency techniques and will be encouraged to make behavioral changes that will help them reduce and control their energy usage.
For energy saving tips, available programs and incentives, and information on how to get a free online analysis of your home’s unique energy usage, visit www.progress-energy.com/save.