Homepage
-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information
Some common myths
about Osteoporosis
Bone density test - relaxing and
effective
Osteoporosis and men
Prescription Advantage Enrollment
All women and men need to know about Osteoporosis
Save money and energy
A$sisted Living can be affordable
Save money and energy
By Jeanne B. Siegel
Did you know that you can receive a free in-home appliance survey from Massachusetts Electric? "EnergyWise," a new program from Massachusetts Electric, also provides up to six energy saving light bulbs, as well as free energy efficient light fixtures that will be installed by an electrician at a later time at no charge. But best of all, if you have an old refrigerator, Mass Electric will provide up to $325 toward the replacement cost of an energy efficient one, and they will remove the old one!
*According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, refrigerators and freezer account for about a quarter of electrical use in the home. Replacing old refrigerators could save you a significant amount of money on an annual basis.Changing your lighting from the traditional incandescent to the new compact fluorescent is another smart way to save energy and money. The technology of incandescent bulbs has not changed much since Thomas Edison and only 10% of the electricity produces visible light, while the rest goes into heat. Compact fluorescent bulbs fit into conventional lighting fixtures, and last two to three years - about 10 times as long as regular bulbs. This program is open to all customers with electric bills of over $100 per month. Call 1-800-238-1221 to schedule an appointment.
If you qualify for Fuel Assistance ( households below the 175% of poverty line - $15,000 for one, $20,000 for two), a number of rate reductions are available: 30% rate reduction ( Mass Electric), 35% rate reduction (Western Mass.), 20% Berkshire Gas. You are also eligible for weatherization, which provides insulation, weather-stripping, glass repairs, metered air sealing, etc. These will save you money, energy, and keep you warm. If you are a Western Mass customer, you are also eligible for their "ESP" program, which provides compact fluorescent bulbs, possible refrigerator/freezer replacement, weather- stripping, attic insulation, hot water conservation. Mass Electric has a similar program called "AMPS." For more information, call Dave Lachowski at the Berkshire Co. 443-4672 who administer the energy programs.
* Michael Brower and Warren Leon, The Consumer’s Guide to Effective Environmental Choices: Practical Advice from the Union of Concerned Scientists,, Three Rivers Press, NY, 1999.