OREANDA-NEWS. More than 1,200 households in Winston-Salem are getting an energy makeover, courtesy of Duke Energy Carolinas.

Through the company’s new Residential Neighborhood Program, the homes and apartments of qualified Duke Energy Carolinas’ customers surrounding the Kimberley Park and Blum Park areas are receiving a home energy assessment and installation of up to 16 energy-saving improvements, at no out-of-pocket cost.

Eligible customers are also learning how to take control of their energy costs by practicing energy-saving habits. The program targets neighborhoods where approximately 50 percent of residents are classified as low-income based on federal and state guidelines.

Close to 100 residents came to a kickoff event held Thursday evening at Kimberley Park Elementary School. In addition to getting a first-hand view of some of the measures that will be installed, guests also heard from Duke Energy District Manager Jimmy Flythe; Winston-Salem City Council member Denise D. Adams; and Rita Gale Cruise, executive director of The Resource Center.

“Duke Energy is committed to the health and success of the communities it serves,” Flythe said. “We’re helping customers who need it the most take control of their energy costs by bringing this program right to their doorsteps.”

Some of the 16 energy-efficiency improvements that will be installed by Residential Neighborhood Program team members include:


water heater wraps and insulation for water pipes;
energy-efficient light bulbs;
low-flow faucet aerator and low-flow showerhead;
refrigerator coil brush and refrigerator thermometer;
wall plate thermometer;
HVAC winterization kit;
water heater temperature check and adjustment; and
HVAC filters and a filter-change calendar

Duke Energy Carolinas launched the Residential Neighborhood Program in March 2013. More than 1,400 households have received free energy makeovers since the program’s launch.

A graphic showing the eligible area is available upon request. Federal and state guidelines and census data are used to objectively select communities where the program would be most beneficial.