Contact:
Bob Lazaro
PEC Director of Communications
571.225.0198

Rose Jenkins
PEC Communications Specialist
434.977.2033

PEC Unveils Community-wide Energy Efficiency/Conservation Education Program

(Charlottesville, VA - January 7, 2010) The Piedmont Environmental Council (PEC) unveiled a broad energy efficiency/conservation education program to help all homeowners and renters save up to $375 dollars a year in utility costs.

"According to the National Academy of Sciences, full deployment of cost-effective, energy efficient technologies in buildings could reduce electricity consumption 25 to 31 percent by 2030, entirely offsetting the need for new power plant capacity", said Christopher G. Miller, President of PEC. "So instead of spending billions on new generation, by weatherizing our homes we can help strengthen our nation's energy security and economic competitiveness, all while helping to save money, reduce emissions, and preserve the beauty of our Piedmont region. The challenge is to find ways that enable and encourage everyone to act."

The program, developed by PEC, includes a six page Energy Smart Solutions guide that is being mailed to every homeowner and renter in Albemarle County and Charlottesville, detailing 10 simple "do it yourself" projects that can save a typical household nearly 20%, at a cost of only about $500. The companion website www.energysmartsolutions.org includes a series of short "how-to videos" and related information on tax credits, energy audits, and other topics. Local retailers are supporting the effort with discounts on materials for these projects - available by signing up on the Energy Smart Solutions site.

"The critical issue is how to help individuals do the things that are already possible and economical. PEC's role is to connect people with good information so that they can take the actions that make the most sense for them. If we all take those steps, we will have better options to address the broader national and global challenges," said Miller.

"This effort is consistent with our overall mission of protecting the environment in Albemarle, Charlottesville and the Piedmont region we serve," said Tony Vanderwarker, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the PEC and resident of Keswick. "I am pleased that we are able to kick off this comprehensive education effort in our home community and look forward to expanding it throughout Virginia."

"By focusing on cost-effective, inexpensive home improvements, this unique Energy Smart Solutions guide, videos and related materials can enable everyone to play a role in saving energy and helping the environment - while saving money too," said Scott Elliff, PEC Board member and Forest Lakes homeowner, who has led the development of the program. "While there is lots of information about energy out there today, this is the first time it has been put together in a comprehensive and focused way and delivered directly to homeowners and renters for them to be able to act on it."