Energy 101: How a new program can help residents reduce their energy bills

The Holland Energy Fund has launched a new residential energy-efficiency education program, Home Energy 101.

The program is free and open to all city of Holland residents, whether they own or rent. The program offers residents a one-time session with a trained, non-profit energy adviser. 

The adviser will conduct a walk-through of the home, giving residents tips and recommendations for energy savings. In addition, all participants will receive up to $300 in free energy-saving measures. The goal of the program is threefold for residents:

• Reduce their carbon footprint.
• Save money.
• Make their home more comfortable/

Part of long-range energy plan

“When residents participate in the Home Energy 101 program, they become a part of Holland’s Community Energy Plan in creating a more sustainable community for today and future generations,” says City Manager Keith Van Beek.

To register for Home Energy 101, residents can submit an online form, and they will be contacted to schedule their walk-through with the energy adviser.

Those who sign up might get Ken Freestone as their energy adviser. Freestone is a former Holland City Councilmember, who was inducted into the Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame for his work with sustainability efforts across the Lakeshore. 

"The updated Energy Education program is a great way for residents to get some hands-on experience with Energy Saving products and to identify ways they can save energy, make their homes healthier and more comfortable. They might even learn how they could save money and get rebates. The new program provides education, free energy-saving products and tips to reduce energy usage in people's homes," Freestone said. 

Holland Energy Fund is a nonprofit that supports the city of Holland’s long-range Community Energy Plan.

The city’s goal is to become a world-class leader in energy security, affordability, sustainability, and efficiency. Holland Energy Fund administers two programs in partnership with the city, Holland Board of Public Works, and Michigan Saves. 

Holland Board of Public Works is a community-owned utility providing electricity generation and distribution, water, wastewater treatment, and broadband services to more than 30,000 business and residential customers. 

More information can be found at HollandEnergyFund.com.