New Energy $aver Program Helps City's Homeowners Reduce Energy Consumption, Save Money

City of Cleveland homeowners can save 30% to 50% on their home utility bills with qualified home energy efficiency improvements through the Cleveland Energy $aver Program. 

Sponsored by the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Housing Network, and Cleveland Action to Support Housing ("CASH"), this is the first program of its kind to offer utility company rebates from Dominion East Ohio AND FirstEnergy, in addition to a 20% discount off labor and installation costs. Launched in February 2012, it has helped Cleveland homeowners from Kamm's Corners to University Circle save energy in their homes, and ultimately save money on their monthly utility bills. 

As Chuck Ackerman, one of the program’s first participants, said, "The Energy $aver Program was just what we needed. I knew my heat (and my money!) was escaping through the walls but I didn't have the money to make the improvements and I didn't know where to start. The audit identified the most critical areas and gave me direction. Then after adding up the rebates, discounts, and low interest rate, it was a no brainer.”

About half of home energy consumption is used for heating and cooling. Many of today's homes are drafty, leaky, hot in the summer, and uncomfortable throughout the year. Many also suffer from a multitude of other problems -- mold and moisture, high energy bills, and poor indoor air quality. Home performance upgrades through the Cleveland Energy $aver program are solving many of these problems, all while contributing to greater energy efficiency and lower utility bills. 

One of the program’s greatest attributes is its pool of highly qualified contractors with years of experience in energy efficiency. One such contractor, Martin Berry of Berry Insulation, urges homeowners to act now. As he puts it, "The Cleveland Energy $aver program is an unprecedented way for Cleveland residents to improve the efficiency and safety of their homes. As a BPI certified Weatherization contractor, we are proud to be a participating contractor in the Cleveland Energy $aver program. We pledge to provide participating homeowners with the highest quality service and installation."  

Improvements may include attic insulation, furnace replacements, programmable thermostats, and most importantly, sealing any leaks in thermal bypasses that are allowing outside air into your home. 

Financing is available to homeowners through the program's lending partner, CASH. As Marcia Nolan, the executive director of CASH, said recently, “The Cleveland Energy $aver program is the perfect strategy for Cleveland property owners. For the first time, we are able to provide options to decrease their long term energy expenses. Homeowners will see their energy bills immediately decrease and they will receive the rebates as well. It is a great opportunity that people should be very excited about.”

This is one of the most attractive rebate and/or incentive package ever offered to Cleveland’s homeowners, but it won’t last long!  Homeowners must act now to lock in savings before they expire this fall. Only 100 Clevelanders will benefit from this program, so act now before it’s too late!

Here's how it works:

Step 1: Call

Call 216.672.3535 to learn more about the program and find out if you qualify for huge energy savings! You will receive a letter about the program explaining your next steps.

Step 2: Schedule

Schedule your low-cost energy assessment with a qualified home assessor. Receive a detailed home energy report with recommended upgrades to achieve maximum energy and cost savings. Qualified personnel will help maximize discounts & rebates. You enjoy reduced energy bills! Upfront cost to homeowners for energy assessment is $50. This cost will be reimbursed to homeowners that complete the Energy $aver Program.

Step 3: Upgrade

Select the energy efficient improvements that are right for your home and budget. 2.3% interest rate financing is available to quailified homeowners through CASH. Select a contractor from our approved list and schedule your energy efficient upgrades.

Step 4: Save

Sit back and enjoy your energy and cost savings. Receive a final savings report six to twelve months after your upgrades are completed.

It's as simple as that!