In April, Make Oak Ridge Energy Efficient, or MORE2, began installing energy-efficient upgrades (such as water heaters, HVAC units, and attic insulation) in the homes of Oak Ridge residents for free.
So far, MORE2 has worked on more than 30 homes and has seen drastic improvements in the lives of those who have participated in the program.
MORE2 is funded by a grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Linda, a renter who was heating her home with window air-conditioning units and baseboard heat, has been amazed at the difference in her life since the MORE2 team installed upgrades in her home, a press release said. She told a team member, “I’m sleeping better and I’m breathing better…I’m so pleased and grateful for these changes.”
Mike, who recently retired from his job as a truck driver due to medical challenges, expressed his gratitude to the team in a recent interview. “My favorite part of this program is saving money, followed by how professional everyone was,” Mike said. He owns his home and, until MORE2 stepped in, had been unable to upgrade his home himself due to time, funding, and health issues, the press release said. He was especially excited when he noticed his energy bill cut almost in half within the first month of receiving his upgrades.
To make it easier to qualify for MORE2, the team recently made changes to the program qualification requirements. The biggest change is significantly higher income levels, which range from $35,640 to $122,670. MORE2 is open to any house within Oak Ridge city limits that is at least 20 years old and has electric heat. Renters, multi-family units (up to four), homes with gas water heaters, and non-legacy housing units are all welcome, and there is absolutely no cost to apply or participate, the press release said.
In addition to installing upgrades, MORE2 is working to empower residents of the Oak Ridge community with energy efficiency education, ultimately leading to lower electric bills and a healthier environment, the press release said.
You are encouraged to attend an upcoming public event:
- Thursday, December 8 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Oak Ridge Civic Center
Attendees receive energy saving items, low to no-expense energy saving practices material to immediately improve energy savings in their homes, and information on other energy saving programs.
For more information, or to apply, visit MakeOREE.com or call (865) 375-4656.
This press release was submitted by Annie Cacheiro.
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