The program that provides free energy efficiency upgrades to Oak Ridge homes has two more workshops scheduled—including one on Thursday, September 8—and one public meeting.
The program is called Make Oak Ridge Energy Efficient, or MORE2. It kicked off in April and began retrofitting the homes of Oak Ridge residents with no-cost energy upgrades, such as new HVAC units and water heaters, a press release said.
It’s funded by the Tennessee Valley Authority.
“My home is so refreshing now with my new HVAC unit, and I can’t wait to try out the heat in a few months!” said one Oak Ridge resident, Linda Connolly, reacting to recent MORE2 upgrades to her home.
Connolly rents her home, and until MORE2 stepped in, she was cooling and heating her home with window air conditioning units and baseboard heat, the press release said.
MORE2 installed a new HVAC unit and a water heater. Connolly said her home is “nice, cool, and comfortable” now.
Perhaps more importantly, though, Connolly’s allergies and quality of sleep have improved dramatically—making the improvements life-altering, the release said.
“I’m sleeping better, and I’m breathing better,” Connolly said. “The air is just so fresh in my home. I’m so pleased and grateful for these changes.”
Connolly said she has wanted upgrades for a long time, but her family just hasn’t been able to manage them.
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.
Qualified homes must be at least 20 years old and have electric heat.
Program administrators encourage you to attend one of their upcoming public events:
- Thursday, September 8, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.—Energy Efficiency workshop in the Oak Ridge Civic Center Craft Room
- Thursday, September 22, 3 to 4:30 p.m.—Public Meeting in the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge Gallery
- Thursday, September 22, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.—Energy Efficiency workshop in the Oak Ridge Civic Center Craft Room
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.
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Andy Hayes says
When are they going to have a program that helps with the old homes with GAS heat. I have electric cooling and an electric water heater. My windows are old and I am on Disability. Thanks to the sewer rates my electric bill keeps going up and up. Doesn’t seem fair.