In what was their last free meeting at the Community United Methodist Church of East Norwich, the East Norwich Civic Association presented a money saving/energy saving program. It was presented by Marriele Robinson of the Homeowner Support PowerUp Communities group, an outreach of the L.I. Progressive Party. She came to offer free energy evaluations of homes to make them more energy efficient, which will save money.
She said Poor Richard’s Almanac promises it to be very cold this winter, and this is a way to plug up your energy leaks, with both current savings on needed work and through rebates resulting in future savings. After an energy assessment of your home, PowerUp will present you with a report based on their contractor’s assessment, which will outline all the ways you can improve your energy efficiency. The report will include all the potential rebates to reduce the cost of the upgrade which includes the option of financing through PS&G, which will include the monthly payments in your monthly bill.
For example if you need an upgrade that will cost $10,000 they will try to get about 60 percent of the cost paid through rebates, all pre-approved. If you use heating oil you will save more money since people using gas are already saving money, she said. If your house has central air conditioning you are in luck [for a little longer, only] because PS&G has special offers for owners of those systems, including free energy efficient light bulbs. [They come at the end of regular projects, too.]
There is no charge for the upgrade assessment, and if you call and make an appointment, the ENCA will receive $200. PowerUp doesn’t do windows but they do put in caulking, which keeps out leaks; and they pump in insulation to stop the chill. The best thing about the energy upgrades is that, over about four years they will pay for themselves in savings, she said. Robinson can be reached at 516-541-1006, ext. 16, to make an appointment.
The program has been running for about three years. The first was done in low-income areas and was so successful the state is now funding it for middle class homes. You need the household to be below an income of about $60,000; have a credit score above 700; and paid your PS&G bills on time. PS&G will finance the remainder of your loan at 3.49 percent, if needed.
Robinson said this area in which many homes haven’t been updated since the 1930s is prime for the updates in energy efficiency. They work with three contractors who hire locals for the work and pay good wages, another benefit to the community. So just think, those old kitchen floors can get warmed up with insulation pumped under the floors, and into the walls; drafts can disappear; and your heating bills will be lowered and the ENCA can receive a donation.
The projects take about two months to complete so if you sign up now, the work should be done by Christmas, she said. ENCA President Matt Meng is currently working with Robinson on PowerUp for his home and is pleased with the service.
New Location
Meng read a letter from the CUMC saying that because of the rising costs of maintenance over the last two years, they are charging the group $400 a month as of Nov. 1. The association, over the years, has not been charged rent but has donated $500 a year as a gift. This past year, with ENCA funding down—there have been no hot button issues recently, said Meng—they gave $200. The prospect of paying $400 a month is impossible for the group said Meng, but after a phone call from Pastor Ngoy, they negotiated a donation of $50 a month, which at least one other of the groups will also agree to, in hopes of helping the church continue with its community outreach.
Holiday News
ENCA is working with the Committee for the Beautification of East Norwich in paying for a new snowflake for the area, which is a project of the Historic Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce.
The beautification committee is hosting their annual Christmas Lighting event on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 6 p.m. Come out and take part in the singing as the lights come on for the holidays. The group meets at the corner of Routes 25A and 106, by the East Norwich welcome sign. All welcome.
ENCA will be sending out postcards, courtesy of Mel Warren, corresponding secretary, giving the new location of their monthly meetings that are scheduled for about 7:30 p.m., the fourth Thursday of the month. That is the reason why there is no November meeting, as it conflicts with Thanksgiving. For more ENCA information please call 516-606-8053.
