Fort Collins Utilities Launches Home Energy Report to Help Customers Save Energy and Money

Release Date: Thursday, November 5th, 2009

Contact: Melissa Katsimpalis
Senior Marketing and Public Relations Specialist
Fort Collins Utilities, (970) 218-6115

http://fcgov.com/energyreports

Fort Collins Utilities today launched a home energy report pilot program, designed to help utility customers save energy and money and reduce strain on the electric grid.

The program is part of Utilities’ ongoing efforts to help the City of Fort Collins reach energy-reduction goals set out in the newly adopted 2009 Energy Policy.

In the next day or so, approximately 4,500 customers will receive by mail a personalized report, and eventually about 25,000 customers will receive monthly reports.

The individualized reports will identify how a customer’s home energy usage compares to that of approximately 100 nearby homes with similar characteristics and energy needs, Patty Bigner, Utilities customer and employee relations manager, said. Characteristics are defined as square footage, home type (apartment or single-family), fuel types, etc.

The value of the reports is to help customers understand their monthly home energy usage, track progress on how their homes’ use changes over time and where they likely have opportunities to save.

In addition, the reports offer energy-efficiency tips specifically tied to a customer’s energy use.

The report shows monthly, two-month and annual graphic comparisons with a customer’s neighbors, plotting the customer’s energy usage with all neighbors as well as the most efficient.

The Utilities has developed the pilot project with OPower, an industry leader in energy-efficiency and Smart Grid software. OPower works with more than 30 municipal utilities throughout the United States. Company officials suggest the home energy report system can lower a utility customer’s energy consumption by as much as 3.5 percent.

Platte River Power Authority, the City’s wholesale power supplier, is supporting the program as well by helping offset its costs.

For more information, call (970) 221-6700, visit www.fcgov.com/energyreports, e-mail or TDD (970) 224-6003.