BEND, OR -- The Environmental Center in Bend is now offering free home energy assessments to qualified families, "To connect folks who have been underserved by energy programs in the past, with free information and assessments about their homes and how they can connect to low and no-cost upgrades," says Climate Solutions Program Director Lindsey Hardy. She tells KBND News it's available to, "Folks who are living with low- to moderate-incomes, people with disabilities, communities of color and folks in rural areas are all eligible for the free audit and then increased incentives."

Hardy says, "We do a walk-through with the homeowner or renter to address problem areas, areas that feel uncomfortable in their home. And then, we’re also looking at their heating and cooling systems, if they have them, their water heating and insulation." She adds, "We will provide a customized report based on the current set up of the home and areas that we think they can improve, and all of the incentives that they’re eligible for, including the increased incentives they can get through our program."

She notes conserving energy and increasing efficiency is growing in importance, "We’re on the precipice of a lot of changes here in Central Oregon, especially with increasing heat events in the summer and increasing wildfire events that folks who don’t have access to efficient heating and cooling and air conditioning now, are facing more health and comfort issues."

The Bend-based program is modeled after a concept developed by a Corvallis nonprofit. Assessors don’t provide a home energy score, required by the city of Bend to sell a house. But Hardy says the new program compliments that more comprehensive report, "If there are folks who’ve gotten a home energy score and have a list of improvements they know their home really needs, we’d be able to come in and connect those with the relevant incentives, and help them qualify for the increased incentives that are available through our program."

The Environmental Center hosts two events to provide information on the program. The first will take place Thursday, May 30 from 1 to 2 p.m., and is aimed at Community Organizations and elected officials who want to learn more about how the communities they serve and/or constituents may benefit from this program and access tools for doing outreach. RSVP HERE. The second event takes place on Wednesday, June 5 from 5:30-6:30pm and is open to the public to learn more about participating in the program themselves. RSVP HERE.  

If you’re interested in seeing if you qualify for this program or to sign up, visit The Environmental Center's website.