Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Alaska Center for the Environment is excited to be part of the Alaska Energy Efficiency Partnership, a dynamic state-wide collaboration between many stakeholders. Collectively, we are working to make sure that all Alaskans can reap the benefits of warmer homes, lower utility bills, and lower emissions. Find out more about the partnership at http://akenergyefficiency.org/home.
Energy Efficiency in Your Home
Every person and every home can make a difference when it comes to community-wide energy savings. What's more, you'll be saving yourself money! By taking the steps below, you will be joining thousands of your neighbors who are already experiencing lower utility bills, reducing their home's energy foot print, and conserving resources for the future generation. The power is yours!
- Switch your light bulbs to energy efficient bulbs like LED lights
- Reduce your water heater temperature to 120 degrees
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Make sure you invest in energy efficient upgrades when you remodel or renovate your house
- Audit your home and do the suggested improvements
The state wants to help you start seeing lower bills and a warmer house and has two great programs in place that will help you finance your audit and the subsequent efficiency upgrades: the Home Energy Rebate program (HER), and the Weatherization program.
The HER program offers up to $10,000 for energy efficiency upgrades to year-round owner occupied residences after you apply for and receive an energy audit.
The Weatherization program is free for eligible participants who apply to the program.
Alaska's Energy Efficiency Champions
Many people have taken advantage of either the Home Energy Rebate Program or Weatherization program. Here are the stories of some of the people who have taken steps to improve the comfort of the homes and increase their energy savings.
Alaska Craftsman Home Program Classes!
Don't miss out on the exciting classes being offered this April! On everything from ventilation to heating choices, these classes have something to offer for everyone.
Check out their website and calendar here!
Energy Efficiency in the Legislature Update
The 2011/2012 Legislature appropriated $51.5 million for the Home Weatherization and Rebate programs!! This means Alaskans can continue to enjoy the savings and comfort that these programs offer.
The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s home energy retrofits save the average participating household over $1300 a year!
One of the best things the legislature included in the 2011/2012
capital budget is full funding for these programs to ensure they continue to
slash the burden to our society created by wasted energy. And on top of that, these programs have
proven effective at creating jobs and changing the way people think about
energy in Alaska.
Alaska Housing Finance Corporation’s Home Energy Rebate and Home Weatherization programs can keep saving Alaskans energy and money, we need to keep them funded. These funds let Alaskans save real money.
Consume Less Energy through Efficiency and Conservation
The State Energy Policy signed into law established a goal for Alaska to achieve a 15% energy efficiency improvement per capita by 2020. The Alaska Energy Authority (AEA) has taken its own initiative to promote an additional 5% energy savings statewide through improving energy use practices. These goals set a target for our policies, but there is a lot that YOU can do as well.
Decreasing overall energy consumption by improving efficiency and implementing conservation practices is the best solution to our energy problems.
ACE is collaborating with a variety of organizations, agencies, and groups to promote energy efficiency and conservation and take Alaska beyond its goals.
- Find out what you can do to consume less energy with these simple steps.
- Visit Alaska's one-stop website, akenergyefficiency.org for energy efficiency and conservation information.
- Take advantage of rebates and incentives to improve the performance of your home, appliances, and more. Click here for more information.
- Learn more about renewable energy and energy efficiency here.
