Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest

The Ninth Annual Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest sponsored by the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas is under way.

This year, 17 grand prizes valued at up to $5,000 in energy efficiency improvements will be awarded to each winner.

“Last year’s Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest awarded 17 grand prizes of $3,000 in energy efficiency improvements to one member of each of Arkansas' 17 electric distribution cooperatives,” said Bret Curry, manager of residential energy marketing for the Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas. “These retrofits lowered their electric bills, while improving the comfort of their homes. This year's increased value equips our professional teams with the ability to include heating and cooling system tune-ups along with proven energy efficiency components and measures for the winners."

The winner's homes will undergo a comprehensive energy audit to determine the cause of their higher than normal bills and comfort issues. Then, each home will receive a caulking and sealing package to reduce air infiltration, increased attic insulation, an energy-efficient light bulb retrofit, repair and sealing of the heating and cooling system ductwork, and a heating and cooling system tune-up.

“Over the past nine years, the Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest has equipped electric cooperative members statewide to learn how energy efficiency measures can be applied to their homes,” Curry said. “Any member can improve the energy efficiency of their home by mirroring the solutions made during the Energy Efficiency Makeover. The makeover process is a great avenue to educate members about do-it-yourself techniques and learn the right questions to ask when hiring contractors to address energy-related issues."

This year’s 17 grand-prize winners will include a member from each of the state’s locally owned electric distribution cooperatives. The application deadline is July 15. To be eligible for the 2016 contest, applicants must own their home and property, sign the requisite form, include a photo of the front of their home, be members in good standing with one of Arkansas’ 17 electric distribution cooperatives and have all-electric homes. Comprehensive pre and post energy audits will be performed on each winner’s home. Members may apply with an entry from provided in the Arkansas Living magazine or online.

“The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas are dedicated to providing the state’s 1.2 million members with reliable, affordable electricity in a responsible manner,” he said. “The Energy Efficiency Makeover Contest is a great educational tool to help everyone save on their energy bills and increase the comfort level in their homes.”

The public can follow the progress of the 2016 Energy Efficiency Makeovers online.

The Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas comprise 17 electric distribution cooperatives; Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (AECI), a Little Rock-based cooperative that provides services to the distribution cooperatives; and Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corp. (AECC), a generation and transmission cooperative. The distribution cooperatives provide electricity to approximately 500,000 homes, farms and businesses in Arkansas and surrounding states.