The program also hopes to make energy efficiency programs available through AEP Ohio and Columbia Gas of Ohio.
As part of our county-wide efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, I am pleased to announce the County of Athens, AEP Ohio and Columbia Gas of Ohio have entered into an innovative partnership through an energy efficiency program called Community Energy Savers.
This program, which runs Oct. 1 through Jan. 31, 2016 in Athens County, is intended to engage our community members and bring awareness of our combined energy use, as well as the energy efficiency programs available through AEP Ohio and Columbia Gas of Ohio.
Both utilities offer several residential and business energy efficiency programs, including appliance recycling and rebates, home energy audits and free online energy assessments. Small business incentives and prescriptive programs are also available to help us understand how we can reduce our electricity and natural gas use and receive rebates when implementing energy efficiency improvement projects.
As part of the Community Energy Saver’s program, if we meet our stated goals for participation in select energy efficiency programs, AEP Ohio and Columbia Gas of Ohio will award funding for energy efficiency and other improvement projects at public libraries throughout the county.
I want to thank in advance all of the Athens County residents and businesses who will join us in this effort by participating in the Community Energy Savers program. I also want to encourage everyone to learn more about our unique partnership with AEP Ohio and Columbia Gas of Ohio by visiting our website at CommunityEnergySavers.com and to strongly consider participating in these qualifying energy efficiency programs today.
I am very excited about this initiative and the impact it will have on our community. I am confident that with the help of our community members, our county will reach — and maybe exceed — our goal by Jan. 31, 2016.
Chris Chmiel is the Athens County commissioner.
