Valley Area since 2009. Workshops will be held at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church in Farmington on Saturdays through Nov. 19. Call 778-5048 to volunteer or sign up for window panels.
FARMINGTON – The United Way of the Tri-Valley Area is launching a Community Energy Challenge for this heating season.
Volunteers are needed to build interior storm windows to help our neighbors stay warm and save money and qualifying homeowners or renters who want free window panels are also needed to sign up.
The Community Energy Challenge (CEC) is a greater Franklin County volunteer-based winterization initiative launched in 2009 by United Way of the Tri-Valley Area. A simple, low-cost strategy of interior window panels keeps heat inside homes during the harsh winter months and encourages homeowners to make positive changes in their energy consumption.
A hallmark of the CEC is engaging the homeowners or renters to participate in workshops when possible, and become more proactive in their homes and lives. A potluck lunch served at every workshop unites people and offers a great social opportunity.
Volunteers are encouraged to attend a Community Energy Challenge window panel workshop at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, Academy Street, Farmington on Saturdays through Nov. 19 (except Nov. 5), from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. No previous experience is required.
If you receive fuel assistance, you may qualify for up to six free interior window panels that are customized and made especially for your windows.
Otherwise, panels are very affordable at $1.50 linear/ft. The cost of these panels will pay for themselves in energy saved within the first heating season. Interior window panels are available to householders living in Franklin County, Livermore, Livermore Falls, North New Portland, New Portland, Starks and Vienna.
Since the program’s inception in 2009, more than 400 volunteers have served approximately 9,000 hours building and installing 2,000 interior window panels for 300 households and 17 public buildings for an estimated energy savings of over $50,000 annually. Because these panels are reusable, the number will grow exponentially as panels we are currently building are installed and another season is realized on panels already built and installed.
To participate call the United Way of the Tri-Valley Area at 778-5048.
