The Conservation Council of New Brunswick has launched its new EnerAid service. The free service provides one-on-one technical guidance to homeowners who have already had a home energy audit but are still unsure about what steps to take in order to put the audit’s recommendations into action. The project is designed to increase the number of homeowners who follow through on the audit’s recommendations.

“We are concerned that many people are taking the very important first step of getting an energy efficiency audit, but then often get bogged down by technical jargon and a dizzying array of options that could be used to act on a given recommendation. EnerAid is here to help people find answers, sort through possibilities, and prioritize next steps.” says EnerAid’s Home Energy Advisor Kevin Matthews.

Julie Michaud, Climate Action Coordinator with the Conservation Council sees this door-to-door service as a complement to the All Things Efficient web site already provided by the Conservation Council. The site was designed to provide information on what individuals can do on a household level to shrink their carbon footprint. “For just over a year, All Things Efficient has been providing homeowners with information about home energy efficiency—everything from grants and loans to products and services. EnerAid takes the Conservation Council’s Climate Action Campaign to a new level by providing a practical and comprehensive service for homeowners.”

“Our hope is that the provincial government will see the value of this service, and pick up the ball and run with it.” says David Coon, Conservation Council’s Policy Director. “It’s a service that could be directly incorporated into Efficiency NB’s existing energy efficiency programs.”

“It’s important to note that when homeowners invest in energy efficiency, they’ll begin to reap benefits right away; and those benefits will continue in each successive year. Right away people will be more comfortable in winter. They’ll also save money, and they’ll be doing their part to fight climate change.” says Matthews. “With EnerAid, making your home more energy efficient is now easier than ever.”

In order to qualify for this free service, homeowners must reside within the greater Fredericton area, and have already had an energy evaluation of their home. Though New Brunswickers outside of the greater Fredericton area would not qualify for a direct home visit offered by this pilot project, they are always welcome to contact Home Energy Advisor, Kevin Matthews, at 458-8747 or kevin@conservationcouncil.ca to discuss home energy efficiency issues.