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Beat the Meter Blitz is Back! Free Home Energy Assessments For Bloomington Residents

Last updated on Tuesday, November 10, 2015

(BLOOMINGTON) - Both renters and homeowners have an opportunity to reduce their home energy bills through the City of Bloomington’s sixth annual Beat the Meter Blitz.

As in previous years, the limited-time program will provide free energy assessments via a lottery system. Residents must live within Bloomington city limits to participate.

Bloomington, together with Monroe County, is one of 50 communities competing for the $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize and reducing residential energy use is a key focus. The local effort to win the prize is called the Monroe County Energy Challenge.

"Residential energy use makes up a huge portion of energy consumption in the Bloomington area," said Jacqui Bauer, City of Bloomington Sustainability Coordinator. "These free home assessments will help keep more of the money spent on energy in people's pockets, and will help us have a shot of winning the Georgetown Prize."

Over 180 assessments have been provided over the life of the program and have helped homeowners identify and implement energy-saving improvements.

Continuing partners in the program include the City's Housing and Neighborhood Development (HAND) Department, the Economic and Sustainable Development Department and Earth Care, a local organization that unites local faith communities to reduce energy use and curb climate change.

The free assessments, awarded via a lottery system and conducted by City staff and Earth Care volunteers, will help residents and landlords determine how to prioritize energy projects. To be eligible, the property must be a single-family home or duplex and located within Bloomington city limits. In exchange for the free assessment, participating homeowners or landlords will be asked to sign a pledge stating their commitment to implement some of the suggested improvements.

Interested homeowners, renters and landlords can enter the lottery by filling out the form at tinyurl.com/btmb2015, by emailing their name, phone number and address to energy@bloomington.in.gov or by calling 812.349.3837. For renters entering the lottery, the City will seek landlord approval before initiating an energy assessment. All lottery entries must be received before 5:00 p.m. on Nov. 20. Assessments will be scheduled during the second week of December.

For more resources on saving energy in your home, visit bloomington.in.gov/energyresources. For more information on the Monroe County Energy Challenge, visit mocoenergychallenge.org.

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