Energy efficiency is becoming more important

Feb 17 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Wally Spiers Belleville News-Democrat, Ill.

It used to be that when it was cold, you could simply turn up the heat because energy was cheap.

Now energy is so valuable that a guy can make a living advising people how to fix their houses so they don't leak so much heat, or air conditioning.

Korey Hart, Home Energy Performance Manager for the Conservation Services Group, is one of those guys. His company is an Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergy Partner.

He spoke Wednesday at the Southwestern Illinois College Sustainability Center. His message was that there are a lot of weatherization techniques and incentive programs out there for Ameren Illinois customers and a lot of people aren't taking advantage of them.

From rebates on energy efficient products like water heaters and programmable thermostats to money for old clunker refrigerators and freezers, the company's goal, curiously enough, is for everyone to use less power.

That is already working with CFL light bulbs, Hart said. The long-lasting bulbs require less energy and thus have helped reduce carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.

Despite concerns about the tiny amount of mercury in the bulbs, even broken bulbs put less mercury in the atmosphere than power plant emissions he said.

"We are seeing people embrace them more," he said. "I've found that most places that sell the lights will take burned out ones for recycling. Just put them in a sealed bag and take to the service desk."

Hart also was promoting Home Energy Performance audits, which cost $50.

"An adviser can test for how leaky the house is and give you an audit report," he said. "The advisor also does a visual inspection and can take thermal imaging pictures to pinpoint problem areas."

He had some cool photos with vivid colors pointing out where air was leaking out or in. He also mentioned that nonprofit organizations can earn bonus money by referring people to the refrigerator and freezer program as fundraisers.

For more information on any of the ActOnEnergy programs, you can call toll-free at 866-838-6918 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays or visit online at: actonenergy.com.

Have a column idea? Call Wally at 239-2506 or 800-642-3878; or email wspiers@bnd.com,