Power to $ave About One-Third to Goal

If you have ever felt like your house could be greener, you do have the power to get it assessed for free.

The Power to Save campaign announced its official launch in a press release in mid-March, with the goal to sign up 400 Wellesley residents for a no-cost energy assessment.

Within the first two weeks of the campaign, 140 homeowners had signed up for the no-cost assessments out of the Sustainable Energy Committee (SEC)'s goal. A board charting the campaigns progress is on display at the Wellesley Free Library.

Patch met with the Chair of the Wellesley Sustainable Energy Committee, Ellen Korpi. 

A typical no-cost assessment, Korpi explained, begins with an interview. A specialist will come and ask residents about drafts, their electricity bill, or concerns. The specialist then begins in the basement, checking the insulation and appliances, before moving up through the house to the attic. 

She noted that, as building codes have changed a lot in the last fifteen years, it is possible that simply having plenty of insulation may not be enough. 

After the appointment, which will take two or three hours, the specialist will give homeowners a report, with his recommendations and an estimated payback period--roughly when changes will "pay for themselves." 

Homeowners will also receive a list of approved contractors, with no obligation to use them. However, to be eligible for rebates, one has to use an approved contractor. 

"Anecdotally," Korpi said, "some people say they feel more comfortable in their home."

For more information on scheduling an energy assessment call the Wellesley Municipal Light Plant customer service line at 781-235-7600 or visit the Town website sign-up page. 

Power to Save follows up from last year's initiative the Power to Choose program, for which over 1,000 Wellesley residents volunteered to be a part. All three of the colleges in Wellesley also signed on to the campaign.