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| By G. Michael Dobbs Managing Editor CHICOPEE Chicopee Electric Light Department (CEL) has some good news for its customers this heating season: a rate reduction and help in becoming more energy efficient. Jeffrey Cady, the general manager of CEL, said last week that rates will decrease 15 percent this month and he hopes to be able to reduce rates 10 percent for January and February. Cady said the department buys its electricity from a variety of sources and looks to conservation as way to keep costs down as well as investing in new more efficient natural gas generators. He said that Western Massachusetts doesn't have a lot of renewable resources. The region doesn't naturally have the wind power as Cape Cod, for instance. The department, though, will be using the hydroelectric generator at the Deady Bridge beginning in 2013. To make the most of energy dollars, consumers are urged to conserve and the department is offering free energy audits of homes. Mike Plasski, one of the auditors working with the department, said each home is a little different and older homes frequently pose multiple conservation issues. Plasski said homeowners should consider replacing their furnace if it's older than 20 years. New furnaces offer greater energy efficiency, he said. In the basement, insulation around water pipes, making sure no cold air is seeping through the sill plate and installing insulation on the basement ceiling are a few steps to take. When performing an audit, Plasski uses an infrared camera to examine the insulation in walls. He can spot weak or unprotected areas. He also looks in attics to see if there is adequate insulation there. The location of a thermostat can also be a big factor not only for comfort, but also for economy, he said. For example, a thermostat in a cold room could cause other rooms to become over-heated, he explained. Electric space heaters should be used as a secondary heat source, Plasski said and shouldn't be left unattended. Other steps to take this winter include: Clean to replace furnace filters once a month or as needed Caulk, seal and weatherstrip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside Keep drapes and shades open on south-facing windows to take advantage of solar heat and light. Switch standard light bulbs for compact fluorescent bulbs. Cady said the department offers a number of rebate programs to help consumers become energy efficient. There is a program for home insulation upgrades as well as the purchase of selected "EnergyStar" rated appliances. There are additional details on the department's Web site, www.celd.com To have energy audit of your home call 1-888-335-7203. |