“I have won the lottery!” That is an emotional response from one Oak Ridge homeowner who recently received a Make Oak Ridge Energy Efficient, or MORE2, home energy makeover.
Ronald Jackson, an Oak Ridge resident for nearly 50 years, said he “could not believe my luck in finding this program.” Jackson, who has lived in his home for 10 years, learned about the MORE2 program from a poster while visiting the Oak Ridge Library and decided it was worth a try to apply. His application was approved, and in recent months, his home has received a new HVAC unit as well as new duct work and insulation—all at no cost to Jackson.
“This program is so wonderful I want to tell everyone about it!” Jackson said in a press release.
The program responsible for his enthusiasm is called MORE2, and it is helping Oak Ridgers lower their home energy use and their electric bills, the press release said. Funded by the Tennessee Valley Authority, MORE2 began upgrading the homes of qualified Oak Ridge residents during 2016 with free energy-efficient equipment, such as HVAC, water heating units, and insulation. Many homes have experienced significant reductions in energy thanks to the upgrades, the press release said.
“Home by home, step by step, we are working hard to help as many Oak Ridge residents as we can” said Bruce Applegate, assistant to the Oak Ridge city manager.
Jackson is so happy with his home improvements, he repeated many times just how impressed he was with the program and the outcomes for his home, the press release said.
“My home had a faulty heat and air system, aged and poorly functioning ductwork, and it was losing energy all over the place,” Jackson said. “I really thought I would have to shoulder the expenses myself and that it would take years to get my home in good shape. I have truly won the lottery with this program.”
Jackson has lived and worked in this community most of his life and said “I just love Oak Ridge—this town has what I want and need in a community. I’m mostly retired now, but still enjoy some light home improvements and gardening.”
MORE2 has helped lower the stress and expense of home energy concerns for Jackson and many other Oak Ridgers, which is one of the primary goals of the program, the press release said.
Interested applicants can learn more about the program, eligibility guidelines, including the newly raised income eligibility levels, and start the application process by vising the MORE2 website at http://www.makeoree.com/reserve-application/ or by calling (865) 375-4656.
In addition to installing upgrades, MORE2 empowers Oak Ridgers by educating them on energy efficiency, which leads to lower electric bills and a healthier environment, the release said.
You are invited to attend an upcoming MORE2 event:
- Energy Education Workshop—Thursday, March 23, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.—Oak Ridge Civic Center
Those attending receive energy saving giveaways, tips on how to save energy at low or no cost, energy efficiency education, and information on other programs, the release said.
This press release was submitted by Annie Cacheiro.
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