Wellington County and Guelph, Ont. – The County of Wellington is pleased to announce the launch of the Energy Coach pilot programme. Energy Coach is a one-on-one service which helps low-income residents reduce their home’s energy costs, energy usage, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Energy Coach service will:
- Pre-screen residents to ensure they qualify for energy efficiency programmes
- Provide general information about how home energy systems work
- Guide residents to technical resources and existing programmes
- Answer questions about energy efficiency
“Low-income residents who rent or own a property will be able to contact the Energy Coach via email or phone to receive tailored assistance and step-by-step guidance on how to benefit from the available energy-saving upgrades, including new LED lights, windows, appliances, smart thermostats, and more,” said James Seeley, Planning Committee Chair. “The Energy Coach will assess the residents' current energy usage and pre-screen them and direct them to the best and most-suitable programmes.”
In partnership with Enbridge, Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), and The Home Inspectors Group, this pilot will largely promote three programmes:
- Save on Energy’s Energy Affordability Programme
- Enbridge’s Home Winterproofing Programme
- County of Wellington’s Ontario Renovates Programme
Where appropriate, residents will also be referred to the Home Renovation Savings Programme.
“As the service delivery provider for social services in the City of Guelph and the County of Wellington, our employees have a direct connection with residents who are eligible for these programmes,” said Stuart Beumer, Director of Ontario Works. “We are pleased to collaborate with our Climate Change Division, IESO, Enbridge, and The Home Inspectors Group to increase awareness of assistance available.”
“Low-income residents can take advantage of a unique opportunity to reduce their energy usage and lower costs, while also receiving free energy-saving upgrades and making their homes more comfortable and durable,” commented Karen Chisholme, Climate Change and Sustainability Manager. “The County is aware that our residents are facing challenges with energy affordability, among other expenses. The Energy Coach service is one way in which the County is supporting our residents while also addressing our climate change objectives.”
The programme will run until the end of 2025.
For more information, contact:
Wellington County Energy Coach
T 226.962.5548
E ClimateChange@wellington.ca
W www.wellington.ca/EnergyCoach