State Energy Office and SEU’s Energize Delaware to team up at Great Green Expo

The state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Energy Office and the Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility’s Energize Delaware are teaming up to provide Delawareans with energy-saving information, programs and solutions to help them save energy and money.

They will be at this year’s Delaware Great Green Expo from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 20 at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.

Delaware’s Energy Office will also be hosting a game show in the afternoon based on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” to test Delawareans’ knowledge of energy efficiency issues. The winner will receive a free “energy audit” to identify opportunities for efficiency improvements. The Energy Office will also support up to $1,000 in upgrades.

“Delaware has a strong tradition of firsts and we have a new opportunity to be a pioneer in securing our sustainable energy future,” said Sen. Harris McDowell (D-Wilmington North), co-chair of the SEU. ”By getting the right information about resources and programs, we can make the most of low- and no-cost steps to reduce total energy consumption and consumers’ energy bills, all of which contributes to a stronger economy and healthier environment.”

To help Expo attendees take advantage of energy savings opportunities, the Energy Office and the SEU developed an energy savings survey as part of the Expo program, which will appear as an insert in the Community News on Sunday, March 14.

The survey asks Delawareans questions about their energy consumption, the age of their home or business, heating, insulation, roofing and appliances. Survey respondents can get help at Expo booth #10 from Energy Office/Energize Delaware representatives who will help connect them to exhibitors that may be the best fit for their energy savings needs.

The Delaware Energy Office is offering free admission to high school or college students who present their IDs, and DNREC is also offering reduced admission to other attendees.

To access the survey, the printable $2-off coupon from the regular admission of $7 and the Expo agenda, click here.

DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara will give welcoming remarks at 11 a.m. on the stage in the Expo’s main hall, and will detail the state’s energy and environmental efforts currently under way that will help Delaware businesses and residents conserve energy costs and also make use of sustainable energy.

Energy education sessions and speakers, including government officials, energy contractors and experts, will be featured throughout the day.

Research commissioned by the SEU revealed a strong willingness among Delawareans to do their part to save energy and reduce consumption. But residents and businesses need more information and support in order to take action in areas that represent the largest savings potential and return on investment.

Per capita, Delaware uses more energy than any of its neighboring states and pays more for its energy. SEU research has revealed that:
41 percent of homes in the state are more than 30 years old; simply sealing and insulating these homes could save up to 30 percent or about $700 on heating and cooling bills
Refrigeration represents 65 percent of energy use in Delaware grocery stores and restaurants and that upgrades could save up to 35 percent on annual utility bills
With a median age of 49 years, Delaware school buildings, inefficient space heating and cooling consumes 47 percent of energy use in schools

For more information about the Expo, visit: http://greatgreenexpo.com/main.html.