Benicia Residents Empowered to Save Energy & Water

Launched in 2010, the Benicia Home Efficiency Program (BHEP) continues to empower Benicia residents and local students to save energy and water. The City of Benicia partners with Silicon Valley-based WattzOn to deliver this innovative sustainability program at no cost to Benicia residents. The program’s services include an in-home coaching visit, a personalized energy and water report and personalized saving recommendations. These recommendations target no-cost and low-cost ways to save on utility bills by addressing habit changes. Benicia residents who participate in the BHEP program are also rewarded with up to $50 in energy and water savings tools to kick start their savings.

Currently, the City of Benicia is facing a severe drought and the need to conserve water is urgent. The Benicia Home Efficiency Program teaches residents to limit their water consumption by evaluating a home’s water use in order to pinpoint savings opportunities. Benicia High School students have the unique opportunity to serve as water ambassadors for the Benicia Home Efficiency Program. The interns’ main focus is to conduct water assessments for participating residents and lead program outreach. The program prepares students for the workforce by building career job skills among young adults through paid student internships.

Thus far, the Benicia Home Efficiency Program has trained over 38 Benicia High School students. Students receive more than 12 hours of training and testing, and serve as home water auditors under the supervision of WattzOn energy consultants. Not only do students gain relevant work experience, but they also aid their community in capturing energy and water savings. With the help of student interns, the program has conducted over 300 home coaching visits in Benicia since 2010. On average, BHEP homes save 9% in energy and 33,000 gallons of water, in the year following their home visit. The savings have helped alleviate Benicia’s drought and home energy costs by educating residents to modify water and energy habits.

This summer BHEP student interns will assist residents in enrollment at the Benicia Farmers’ Market and will partner with local groups to spread the word about resources offered through the Benicia Home Efficiency Program. If you belong to a community group, we will bring our services to you. Call to schedule an exclusive energy workshop for your organization.

To enroll, residents should call (650) 948-2004 or visit beniciahomeefficiency.org. A program representative will assist in scheduling your free home visit. Join your neighbors; reduce your utility bills while also supporting local students and the City of Benicia’s sustainability goals.