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Duke Energy outlines free home-efficiency "Neighborhood Energy Saver" program for Ocoee residents
Summary
Duke Energy representatives told the Ocoee commission they will begin a Neighborhood Energy Saver program in the city that provides up to 20 free home energy-efficiency improvements to eligible customers and will target roughly 2,600 households for outreach; a community kickoff session was announced for the Lakeshore Center.
Representatives from Duke Energy briefed the Ocoee City Commission on Aug. 5 about the utility's Neighborhood Energy Saver program, which delivers free energy-efficiency assessments and installations for income-eligible customers and seniors and aims to reduce household energy use and bills.
Lisa Curran, who identified herself as a government and community-relations representative working with Duke Energy, described the program as a no-cost offering for eligible customers in targeted neighborhoods. Melvin Philpott, introduced as senior products and services manager, said the program installs up to about 20 home improvements at no cost to qualifying residents and also provides education and a year's supply of air filters. Examples Philpott highlighted included smart thermostats, duct sealing, insulation to about R-38 and other measures that can materially reduce energy consumption.
Philpott explained eligibility uses an income threshold aligned with Florida weatherization practice: the program targets households at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline as a screening benchmark and covers single-family homes, apartments and manufactured homes so long as the resident is a Duke Energy customer and the property owner provides permission for rental units. Philpott said Duke Energy has identified roughly 2,600 households in the Ocoee service area for targeted outreach and will perform up to four contact attempts. He encouraged the commission and community nonprofits to refer eligible residents and said a kickoff community information session is scheduled at the Lakeshore Center next Tuesday at 6 p.m.; qualified applicants will also receive a free meal at the event.
Philpott and Curran said the program is funded through programs that the Florida Public Service Commission requires Duke Energy to operate and that Florida's Department of Commerce weatherization guidance typically uses the 200% federal poverty benchmark for income-eligible weatherization programs.
Commissioners asked about apartments, owner permission, solar integration, and the geographic boundaries for outreach. Philpott said apartment participation requires owner permission forms and that the program does not include solar integration; he added the targeted area extends roughly from State Road 429 to Apopka Vineland Road and from McCormick Road to a southern boundary mentioned in remarks. Commissioners and staff thanked Duke Energy for the program and noted the city will help promote the Lakeshore Center kickoff.
Outcome: Program presentation received; community kickoff outreach scheduled; staff and Duke Energy to coordinate referral and outreach.
