You Can Win $10,000 Energy Makeover

From Patch Reports

A Buckhead resident can win a $10,000 home energy makeover through the city of Atlanta's SHINE program.

The Sustainable Home Initiative in the New Economy contest runs through Aug. 14, according to an announcement from Mayor Kasim Reed's Office of Sustainability. The energy makeover program is being run in conjunction with the city of Decatur. (Note: Closing date Aug. 14, not Aug. 19, as printed on city's application).

“We encourage all Atlanta homeowners to enter this contest and learn more about SHINE — our progressive rebate program that helps homeowners save money, save energy and make their homes more comfortable,” Reed said in a statement. “While only one lucky homeowner will win the contest, thousands of Atlantans and the entire city will benefit from the energy saved.

SHINE is providing $1 million in rebates for qualifying home energy efficiency improvements over the next 18 months. Homeowners can receive up to $3,500 in rebates for air sealing, insulation improvement, weatherstripping, caulking and replacement of leaky doors and windows, according to the announcement.

SHINE contracting firms have already performed energy assessments on more than 125 Atlanta homes, while converting roughly a third of those into energy efficiency improvement jobs.

“A properly weatherized home can save homeowners an average of $437 on their annual utility bills,” said Aaron Bastian, the city’s program manager for SHINE.

Decatur's residential weatherization rebate program, WISE, is also promoting the contest, in which a winner in each city will be chosen. Both SHINE and WISE are funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and by U.S. Department of Energy grants administered through the Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance.

Interested homeowners in both cities can visit www.homeenergymakeovers.net. Atlanta residents can call 404-954-8500 and Decatur residents 678-553-6577 for information.