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GREENFIELD’S 2011 ENERGY USE REPORT CARD PUBLISHED NEW 10% CHALLENGE GOALS ANNOUNCED

GREENFIELD’S 2011 ENERGY USE REPORT CARD PUBLISHED
NEW 10% CHALLENGE GOALS ANNOUNCED

GREENFIELD, MA – The Greening Greenfield Energy Committee (GGEC) released its annual Energy Use Report Card today, and set a new goal for its 10% Challenge  

“This report card shows that our 10% challenge is working in some ways and not in others” said Becca King and Susan Worgaftik, co-organizers of the 10% Challenge and members of GGEC. “Greenfield’s oil heating users are doing a great job, but our other uses of fossil fuels show we have a lot of work to do.”

On average, since 2007, people using heating oil have cut their oil use by 131 gallons and are saving $500 each year. “Remember, this is average usage. Some people like Phillip & Esther Johnson, our Green Heroes for November 2011, cut their oil use by 970 gallons (from 1420 gallons to 450 gallons) for an annual savings of $3,744, by taking the advice of a free Mass Save energy audit, and installing a new heating system,” said Nancy Hazard, the GGEC member who compiled the data for the Report Card.

Natural gas users did not do so well. They use about the same today as in 2007. “We suspect that natural gas usage has not dropped because it is less expensive than oil,” said Hazard.

“Electricity use is also very stubborn,” noted Hazard. “In fact, usage has increased so that on average, we spend $26 more than we did in 2007.

“We can and must do better to reach our goal of cutting energy use and climate change emissions by 80% by 2050, ” said Hazard. “Since science has proven that global warming is caused primarily by human activity, and we know that the cost of fossil fuels will go up, now is a great time to explore what each of us can do.  Our utility companies are offering free energy assessments, air sealing, and $2,000-$3,000 toward insulation,” says Hazard. “We should all take advantage of this.  It is a great opportunity to make changes at a reasonable cost.  It takes persistence, not sacrifice.”

GGEC aims to expand both the number of households taking the 10% challenge to 1600, which is 20% of Greenfield’s households, as well as increase the energy savings achieved by each household.  1124 households have already taken the Challenge, so they are looking for another 476 households who want to cut their energy costs, use less fossil fuels, and get a free lawn sign.

In Greenfield, renters, landlords, and homeowners can get assistance to find the financial incentives that are right for them by calling Energy Smart Homes at 413-772-1389. Other people in Massachusetts should call Mass Save at 1-800-944-3212.

To join the 10% Challenge and find out simple things you can do, GGEC events and more, please go to www.GreeningGreenfield.org

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