Royal City residents can save energy and earn prizes through the community energy challenge.
The City of New Westminster has launched the Community Energy Challenge as part of the Energy Save New West program. The grand prize is $3,500 worth of Energy Star® appliances, but 10 secondary prizes of $150 Visa gift certificates are also up for grabs.
“This community-based, energy-efficiency program is designed to inspire New Westminster residents to maximize their energy saving opportunities through the installation of one or more home upgrades,” said Energy Save New West project coordinator Ryan Coleman in a press release. “Whether you’re installing a high-efficiency furnace or attic and basement insulation, we want to capture and reward City of New Westminster residents for undertaking energy saving activities.”
To qualify for the prize draw, New Westminster homeowners must register online for Energy Save New West, and then complete an energy assessment by a certified energy advisor to understand the energy-saving opportunities in their home. The final step is to complete one or more home upgrades before March 31, 2014 to be automatically entered into the Community Energy Challenge prize draw.
Residents who complete two or more of the recommended energy efficiency improvements qualify for the grand prize, while those who complete one or more recommended improvements qualify for secondary prizes.
According to the City of New Westminster, the 125 homes that have already registered with Energy Save New West are still eligible to participate in the contest.
New Westminster resident Brennan Anstey has already fixed air leaks, installed a high efficiency condensing furnace and an Energy Star® tankless water heater and upgraded windows since getting his assessment in August.
"I'm grateful to be connected to energy experts who help me understand and navigate what retrofits make sense for our home," he said in a press release.
Anita Anstey is also a fan of the retrofits made since the couple registered with Energy Save New West.
"They have made our house much more comfortable and have lowered our monthly utility bills,” she said.
The contest closes March 31 and winners will be announced in April 2014.
To sign up for Energy Save New West and participate in the Community Energy Challenge, homeowners can register online at energysavenewwest.ca or call 604-515-3818.
Currently, New Westminster residents can receive an energy assessment through Energy Save New West for $60 (a $240 savings to the homeowner). Energy The program is a joint effort between the City of New Westminster, B.C. Hydro and FortisBC.
