NEW BWL PROGRAM OFFERS FREE

ENERGY-SAVING IMPROVEMENTS

 
Change a light,
Change the world

You can lower your electric bill and conserve on energy usage through such simple actions as changing a light in your home.

The Energy Star^® “Change a Light, Change the World” campaign urges each U.S. household to switch to an energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulb that’s earned the Energy Star label. That single action would save $600 million in energy bills, save enough energy to light seven million homes, and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to one million cars.

Lighting accounts for nearly 20 percent of electricity costs, with the average home containing more than 30 light fixtures. Energy Star qualified bulbs and fixtures help reduce household energy costs because they use one-third the energy of traditional lighting, and last up to ten times longer. Replacing the most frequently used lights at home will yield the most savings.

For more information about Energy Star and Energy Star products, click here.

Some 225 BWL customers with low or moderate incomes will qualify for free energy audits and energy efficiency improvements to help them get by during this and future winter heating seasons.

The new program, called EnergyWise Weatherization, offers free energy analysis, weatherization and water-saving improvements and education. The BWL set aside $45,000 for this year’s program and implemented it immediately, so customers can make improvements for the current heating season.

“Although the BWL does not supply natural gas service, we know that skyrocketing natural gas prices will have an impact on virtually everyone in our community, including our electric and water customers,” said BWL General Manager Sanford Novick. “If we can reach out to our customers and help them reduce their overall utility expenses, it will help them and it will help our community, and we’ll all benefit,” Novick said.

The BWL will partner with Urban Options to provide free energy audits for up to 225 customers of low or moderate income. In addition to an energy analysis, the program also includes free energy improvements, such as pipe insulation, storm windows, water heater blankets, and weather stripping. Participants must be BWL customers and live in single-family dwellings. Preference will be given to those who own their own home.

For more information about the EnergyWise Weatherization program, or to sign up for a free audit, call Urban Options at 337-0422.

HERE'S ANOTHER SOURCE FOR

ENERGY-SAVING HELP

Lansing residents can also qualify for free energy audits and improvements through the City of Lansing’s Energy Fitness Program.

This program is sponsored by the City of Lansing and administered by Urban Options, a local nonprofit agency specializing in energy conservation. Participants will receive a visit from an Energy Specialist, who will provide up to eight money-saving improvements, a helpful information packet, and safety tips. Income restrictions apply.

There are a limited number of openings, so sign up fast. For more information, or to sign up, call Urban Options at 337-0422.

Bring your unwrapped toy
to the BWL Kids Caboose at Silver Bells in the City

The BWL’s Kids Caboose will be on the loose in downtown Lansing for Silver Bells in the City, Friday, November 18.

People coming to the celebration are encouraged to bring with them an unwrapped toy to place in the caboose as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program. The colorfully painted 1940s vintage caboose will be transported from the BWL’s Erickson Power Plant to the corner of Michigan Ave. and Washington for the event.

Silver Bells has grown to become a favorite tradition, kicking off the holiday season in Michigan’s capital city. The event features a lighted float parade, free carriage rides, carolers and the lighting of the official state holiday tree in front of the Capitol.

The BWL is proud to be a signature sponsor of Silver Bells in the City.

URBAN OPTIONS HOSTS

SILENT AUCTION DEC. 8

BWL customers are invited to Urban Options’ holiday celebration and largest charity event Thursday, December 8.

The party begins at 6 p.m. with a potluck dinner, and the auction starts at 7 p.m. Included among the auction items will be MSU Hockey tickets, gift certificates, framed BWL posters, and more.

All proceeds will be donated to Urban Options, a nonprofit organization, to help it continue its work in Michigan. Founded in 1978, Urban Options is Michigan’s longest running Energy Demonstration Center and offers a variety of local and statewide programs focusing on energy efficiency.

Urban Options serves the Lansing community through educational programs, low-income weatherization program, tours of the energy center, and more. The potluck dinner and auction will be held at Urban Options Energy Demonstration Center, 405 Grove Street in East Lansing.

VISIT TURNER-DODGE HOUSE FOR A

TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE

 A traditional mid-Michigan family pleasure during December is a visit to the Turner-Dodge House in Lansing to experience an Old Fashioned Family Christmas of 100 years ago.

From December 10 through 22 you can visit Wednesday through Saturday between the hours of 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday, December 10 and Saturday, December 17 will bubble over with the joy of community musical groups, tea and cookies in the ballroom, Santa Claus and Story Time for children.

Turner-Dodge House, at 100 E. North Street, was occupied by the Turner and the Dodge families from the early 1850s through the late 1950s. Each December, volunteers and collectors re-create the family Christmas of yesteryear from the pantry to the ballroom.

Admission during December is $3 for adults ($4.50 for non-residents) and $1 for children. For more information contact the Turner-Dodge House at 483-4220. You can also click here to visit its Web site.