A local non-profit is celebrating a significant landmark in its mission to help others.

Energy Savers Network, an Asheville-based non-profit, recently completed weatherization services on its 1,500th home. This is a major milestone in its mission to enhance energy efficiency and comfort for local residents.

This achievement highlights the success of Energy Savers Network’s ongoing partnership with Duke Energy, specifically through the Income-Qualified Weatherization Program. This initiative provides comprehensive energy efficiency upgrades at no cost to eligible homeowners, helping to reduce utility bills and improve the overall quality of life for neighbors in need.

“Economic relief and environmental stewardship aren't mutually exclusive—at Energy Savers Network they are deeply interconnected,” said Energy Savers Network (“ESN”) board member Jim Tolbert. "Every household we serve doesn't just lower a family’s utility bill; it lowers our community’s carbon footprint. We are helping the climate by helping our neighbors."

Energy Savers Network would like to recognize Tonya Lawrence from Leicester, N.C., who was ESN's 1500th client. Lawrence was super grateful for what ESN were able to provide her family to make her home more comfortable and energy-efficient.

 “I am so thankful for Energy Savers Network,” Lawrence said. “They weatherized my house, did much needed structural repairs including duct work and window repair, and also installed a new HVAC system. I am a cancer survivor still going through chemo treatments and can only work part-time. This help was huge in my life. My light bill went down $200 a month. Everyone was so nice and helpful. I am eternally grateful.”

ESN is dedicated to mobilizing volunteers and professionals to provide energy efficiency services to those who need them most. By focusing on weatherization and replacing faulty or inefficient equipment, ESN is reducing electric utility expenses for households in western North Carolina. This work helps our community become more sustainable and equitable.

Additional accomplishments

Beyond the 1,500 homes weatherized, ESN’s work has grown to include significant mechanical and structural upgrades and home repairs. Working alongside a dedicated team of expert contractors, the network has successfully:

·       Upgraded 90 HVAC systems with heat pumps that reduce energy use by up to 75%. 

·       Upgraded 10 electric water heaters with heat pumps that reduce energy use by up to 60%.

·       Completed 30 insulation upgrades to improve comfort and reduce energy use.

·       Performed 114 home repair projects to improve health and safety.

 

Volunteers Needed

The devoted core of volunteers at ESN is the reason that they have been able to help so many people. The need for weatherization services is great, and ESN would like to expand to meet those needs.  Anyone, even those with few skills, can be of great help in this work. Please sign up at www.energysaversnetwork.org/volunteer or call us at (828) 585-4492 x2.

You can learn more information about the non-profit, apply, or donate by visiting its website: www.energysaversnetwork.org

Source: Energy Savers Network