Residents get tips on saving energy

Published 5:45 pm Wednesday, October 31, 2018

Debora Warren wanted to know how to save money on her energy bills during the winter.

The Clarke County resident was one of many people attending a weatherization day held Wednesday at the Multi-County Community Service Agency. The program is open to the elderly, people with disabilities and single parents who have a child under the age of 19 and who meet the income requirements.

Charles Grant, weatherization coordinator for Multi-County, said the purpose of the program is to help people on limited incomes save money, so they will have more money for necessities like food and medication.

He said the program involves insulating and sealing windows in residents’ homes to make them more energy efficient. It usually takes a few days to complete the weatherization, he said. The agency also installs smoke and carbon monoxide detectors so residents can live in safe and healthy homes, he said.  

Other speakers included Chuck Sanders, CEO of Sanders Gas Company and Julie Boles, the director of marketing and communications for East Mississippi Electric Power Association. Sanders spoke about using propane safely while Boles noted different plans offered by EMEPA.

Dorothy Smith of Quitman said she would take what she learned at Wednesday’s event and share it with those in her community who were unable to attend. 

Since 1987, nearly 1,000 local homes have been weatherized, according to Ron Collier, executive director of Multi-County.