A new program is helping residents in the High Country make energy efficiency improvements in their homes. It covers seven Western North Carolina counties.
Blue Ridge Electric Co-op is now offering financing to its customers. Participants can borrow up to $7,500 to make energy efficiency improvements and pay it off incrementally on their bill.
The money can be put toward insulation, air sealing, and heating and cooling system upgrades.
The program is available to homeowners, regardless of income, as long as they meet certain criteria. For example, a person must be an active member with Blue Ridge for two years. A home's potential energy savings and payment record will also be considered.
Amber Moodie-Dyer is with the advocacy group Appalachian Voices. She says many families can't afford the upfront costs, and programs like these go beyond energy savings.
“It creates jobs in communities, small rural communities that may be struggling economically,” says Dyer. “It creates jobs for contractors and businesses that provide weatherization energy efficiency upgrades and other types of HVAC services to homes.”
Dyer says more North Carolina energy co-ops have recently started similar programs in rural communities.
Blue Ridge Electric serves more than 74,000 customers.
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