City of New Castle and DEMEC Introduce Efficiency Smart Program for New Castle Electric Customers
July 3, 2018
April 30, 2018 (NEW CASTLE, DELAWARE) –– The City of New Castle, in partnership with the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation (DEMEC), is excited to introduce Efficiency Smart, an energy efficiency program for Municipal Services Commission of the City of New Castle customers. DEMEC’s energy efficiency program, Efficiency Smart, offers rebates and several services designed to help residents and businesses reduce energy use.
New Castle is expected to save approximately 603 megawatt-hours (MWh) of energy over the course of the three-year contract period. This is roughly equivalent to the annual electric usage of 67 homes.
The residential services available through the program include a comprehensive set of initiatives that promote sustainable efficient product use and increase energy efficiency in homes. This includes discounts on energy-efficient lighting, rebates for energy-efficient appliances and products, and a free meter loan service.
By taking advantage of these options, residents can reduce their energy consumption and save on their electric bills. For example, a resident who:
- Replaces 10 of his or her most frequently used incandescent light bulbs with LEDs could save approximately $100 dollars in annual electric costs
- Plugs appliances and electronics into an advanced
powerstrip could save up to $100 in annual electric costs - Manages his or her electric usage with an advanced thermostat could save approximately $70 in annual electric costs
Business customers also have many ways to save energy and money.
Small to midsized companies that use up to 500,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy annually can receive quick and easy rebates for implementing common energy efficiency measures through Efficiency Smart’s Business Energy Rebates (BER) program. Example projects include lighting, compressed air, food service equipment, and HVAC.
Businesses that use more than 500,000 kWh of electricity annually have access to tailored services with dedicated account management, customized financial incentives
Many companies that have completed projects with Efficiency Smart have realized significant reductions in their energy consumption, often between five to 20 percent of their total energy use. These energy reductions have translated to cost savings for companies. Small business projects completed through Efficiency Smart to date have averaged more than $1,600 in annual energy cost savings while larger business projects have averaged in excess of $9,300 annually.
“We are excited for the opportunity to partner with the City of New Castle in collaboration with DEMEC,” said Everett Woodel, executive director of Efficiency Smart. “The city has shown a commitment to energy efficiency, which is a very cost-effective way for communities to reduce their customers’ electric bills, reduce transmission and distribution costs, and contribute to local economic development. We look forward to working together with the city to ensure a successful partnership.”
For more information about Efficiency Smart services available to the City of New Castle through DEMEC’s energy efficiency program, visit www.efficiencysmart.org/new-castle-delaware, or call Efficiency Smart at 877-889-3777.