FREE WORKSHOPS OFFERED TO HELP LOCAL RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES REDUCE ENERGY COSTS

CONTACT: Jim Burke
NC Cooperative Extension Service
Natural Resources Extension Agent
(704) 922-2119

State Energy Office and NC Cooperative Extension to recommend no- and low-cost measures to save energy

As thermometers drop and energy prices climb this fall, local residents and businesses can learn no- and low-cost ways to save on energy bills by attending the free educational workshops “Reducing Energy Expenses at Your Home and Business,” sponsored by the State Energy Office (SEO) of the N.C. Department of Administration and the E-Conservation Program of North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service.

Homeowners and renters are invited to attend the residentially-focused workshop, October 8, 2007, from 6:30 – 8:30 pm at Gaston County’s Lucile Tatum Center, located at 959 Osceola Street in Gastonia. Personnel from businesses and non-profits are invited to attend a commercially-focused workshop, October 9, 2007, from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm at the Lucile Tatum Center.

The workshops will include energy-saving tips and case studies, as well as information on no- and low-cost assistance offered by the E-Conservation Program and SEO, to help residents and businesses reduce their energy costs. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear about local examples of energy-saving measures and how they can incorporate them into their own lifestyle.

“We believe these workshops are an excellent opportunity for North Carolinians to learn more about the economic benefits of energy efficiency,” said Larry Shirley, SEO Director. “We will offer important information that can help homeowners significantly cut their utility bills and help businesses maintain their edge in an increasingly competitive global economy.”

The SEO is North Carolina’s lead agency for energy programs and information, managing nearly 70 statewide projects focusing on energy efficiency, renewable energy, alternative fuels and energy policy. The office assists homeowners, business owners, schools, public and private agencies, communities and individuals through these programs.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service gives county residents easy access to the resources and expertise of N.C. State University and N.C. A&T State University. Through educational programs, publications and events, Cooperative Extension agents deliver unbiased, research-based information to North Carolina residents.

Information on energy efficiency programs offered by the SEO and Cooperative Extension, including many no- and low-cost energy-saving tips, is available on the SEO Web site at www.energync.net.

A limited number of home energy audits will be available to attendees of the residential workshop. There is a fee for the audit. More information on the audits will be available at the workshop.

Once again the above workshops are free, however space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please contact Jim Burke with the Gaston County Cooperative Extension Service at (704) 922-2119 or e-mail your request to jim_burke@ncsu.edu if you would like to register for a workshop.