Third Annual Day of Weatherization Improves Homes and Provides Solar
Power
WGL Holdings, Inc. (“WGL”) held its annual Day of Weatherization on
Saturday, with more than 200 company volunteers weatherizing roughly 130
homes across Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia to
help keep families warm through winter and lower energy expenses. As a
new element to this annual community initiative, WGL provided solar
systems to four Washington, D.C., homes to further decrease homeowner
energy costs and increase environmental sustainability.
“We are proud to expand our annual efforts to help people in the
Washington, D.C., area as we face the higher heating and energy costs
that come with winter,” said Adrian Chapman, president and chief
operating officer of Washington Gas Light Company and WGL. “We
appreciate our employees’ dedication to weatherizing homes and to giving
back to the community that Washington Gas has served for more than 166
years.”
WGL volunteers were joined by Taresa Lawrence, Ph.D, Deputy Director,
Energy Administration of the District Department of Energy and the
Environment (DOEE) and Yvette Alexander, District Councilmember, Ward 7.
Throughout the day, volunteers worked to provide energy efficiency
upgrades including the installation of plastic on windows, caulking
around doors and windows, weather stripping and the installation of
faucet aerators, all of which will help to lower energy costs in the
coming months.
The installation of solar panels on four homes exemplifies WGL’s
commitment to providing diversified energy resources. In partnership
with GRID Alternatives, a non-profit solar installation organization
with a mission to deliver solar power to underserved communities, WGL
has expanded the Day of Weatherization to address energy efficiency and
sustainability as well as cost reduction.
“GRID Alternatives is excited to work with WGL to incorporate solar
system installations into its Day of Weatherization. As a result of the
weatherization measures taken and solar systems installed, four
low-income households will be able to reduce their bills by 50-75%,”
said Nicole Steel, Executive Director of GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic.
“We applaud the efforts of WGL in delivering energy efficiency to our
community and thank the company for its support of our mission.”
The Day of Weatherization began as Washington Gas’ Project
Weatherization in 2007 and expanded in 2013 to become a WGL company-wide
event, with volunteers participating from Washington Gas, WGL Energy,
Hampshire Gas and WGL Midstream. To date, more than 580 homes have
received assistance from WGL during the annual event.
WGL encourages its customers to take simple steps, such as the
following, to help manage energy costs better and stay safe, warm and
energy-smart when temperatures start to drop:
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Change or clean furnace/air filters once a month and schedule an
annual furnace or boiler check-up with a licensed professional.
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Caulk and weather strip around doors and windows.
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Install rubber gaskets behind outlet and switch plates.
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Turn the water heater down to warm or low settings, never more than
120 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Wash full loads of laundry and dishes.
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Use cold water for laundry using specially formulated cold-water
detergents.
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Consider installing new, high-efficiency appliances.
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Look for the ENERGY STAR® energy-efficient product label.
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Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat, which automatically
lowers the temperature setting at night and increases the setting
during the day.
About WGL
WGL (NYSE: WGL), headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a leading source
for clean, efficient and diverse energy solutions. With activities and
assets across the U.S., WGL consists of Washington Gas, WGL Energy, WGL
Midstream and Hampshire Gas. WGL provides options for natural gas,
electricity, green power and energy services, including generation,
storage, transportation, distribution, supply and efficiency. Our
calling as a company is to make energy surprisingly easy for our
employees, our community and all our customers. Whether you are a
homeowner or renter, small business or multinational corporation, state
and local or federal agency, WGL is here to provide Energy Answers. Ask
Us. For more information, visit us at www.wgl.com.
About GRID Alternatives
GRID Alternatives is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that
makes renewable energy technology and job training accessible to
low-income communities. We bring together community partners, volunteers
and job trainees to implement solar power and energy efficiency for
low-income families, providing energy cost savings, valuable hands-on
experience, and a source of clean, local energy that benefits us all.
More than 5,900 families have benefited from our work to-date, saving
$153 million in lifetime electricity costs, and over 21,000 people have
received solar training. GRID Alternatives Mid-Atlantic affiliate began
operations in 2014 and aims to install more than 500kW of solar
generating capacity benefitting low-income families in 2016.
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