OREANDA-NEWS. More than 1,800 low-income customers in Eustis, Fla., will soon receive a much-needed boost from Duke Energy.

Through the company’s innovative Neighborhood Energy Saver program, the homes and apartments of qualified customers will receive a complimentary energy makeover, which includes the installation of up to 16 energy-saving improvements.

The company will also educate customers about the behaviors and other factors that contribute to their energy bills.

“Duke Energy is committed to helping our customers better understand and manage their energy use,” said Alex Glenn, Duke Energy state president - Florida. “Through our Neighborhood Energy Saver program, we provide customers the tools to help reduce their energy bills and the information needed to make long-lasting, positive change.”

The Neighborhood Energy Saver program benefits low-income customers living in select, census-defined communities. Since the program’s inception in 2006, the company has implemented it in more than 35 communities across the state and installed approximately 293,000 energy-efficiency improvements in more than 17,200 low-income customers’ homes.

The Duke Energy Neighborhood Energy Saver program kickoff will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 1, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cutright Ninth Grade Center, 1801 Bates Ave.

Eligible customers will learn about the program and the energy-efficiency improvements that, when used in conjunction with energy-saving practices, can help save up to USD 150 a year in energy costs.

In partnership with the city of Eustis, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Lake Community Action Agency, Eustis Housing Authority, and Bates Avenue Improvement Council, Duke Energy plans to install energy-efficient improvements in 1850 homes at no cost to residents.

Duke Energy Neighborhood Energy Saver team members will install improvements between Oct. 2 and Dec. 13. Each participant will receive up to 16 energy-efficiency improvements at no cost, including:

water heater wraps and insulation for water pipes;
low-flow faucet aerator and low-flow showerhead;
refrigerator coil brush and refrigerator thermometer;
wall plate thermometer;
HVAC winterization kit;
water heater temperature check and adjustment; and
HVAC filters and a filter-change calendar.
Duke Energy also helps reduce energy loss through the installation of door sweeps, caulking, foam insulation, weather stripping and clear patch tape. In addition, the company provides up to five compact fluorescent light bulbs.