Title
To Recognize and Celebrate the Community Energy Savers Program and Encourage All Columbus Residents to Create a More Energy Efficient Living and Work Environment.
Body
WHEREAS, the Community Energy Savers Program is a multi-year partnership between AEP Ohio, Columbia Gas, the City of Columbus, and others; and
WHEREAS, as part of the American Cities Climate Challenge, Columbus has a goal to have 30,000 households complete home energy audits by the end of 2020. To help achieve this goal, the Community Energy Savers program will focus on six neighborhoods with a high energy burden, beginning in the Linden community and then spreading to the Hilltop, Franklinton, the near east side, Milo-Grogan, and the University District; and
WHEREAS, the Community Energy Savers Program urges residents and businesses to install or upgrade to more energy efficient appliances and fixtures so they can save money and efficiently heat their home, apartment or workplace. Residents can also apply for cash back rebates to purchase ENERGY STAR® certified appliances, recycle and pick up older inefficient products such as refrigerators or freezers, or take part in home energy audits. Income-eligible residents can have their home weatherized at no cost; and
WHEREAS, if certain goals are met in each target neighborhood, the Community Energy Savers Program will provide a financial grant to the community for energy efficiency upgrades that will even further improve the lives of Columbus residents. The Linden community is eligible for up to $35,000 for energy efficiency upgrades in community schools through the program; and
WHEREAS, while the Community Energy Savers Program community grants are limited to the six select neighborhoods over the next two years, the entire City of Columbus will benefit when as many households as possible participate in the utility energy efficiency programs; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council urges all Columbus residents, especially those in our opportunity neighborhoods mentioned previously, to take part in the Community Energy Savers Program and help create a more sustainable future and stronger Columbus for all.