The Naugatuck Housing Authority has set out to help residents with drafty homes and high utility bills by launching a project to renovate 32 apartments just i time for the winter.
Through the energy efficiency project, launched Tuesday, the housing authority connected with Connecticut Light & Power, which later linked the department with Waterbury-based New Opportunities, a company that helps with weatherization and energy assistance services.
Together with funding from Energize Connecticut, the program began a cold-weather renovation of 32 apartment units at Lewis Circle.
Their work started in the basement and ended in the attic. Each unit took about an hour and a half to complete and included upgrades like new insulation, installing energy efficient lighting and water conservation technology, including low flow faucet aerators and showerheads.
Combined, these measures are projected to deliver electricity and gas savings that total more than $500 dollars a year. Over the next 10 years, the complex is projected to save approximately $182,000, an average of $5,700 per unit.
According to Enoch Lenge, Energy Efficiency Spokesperson for CL&P and Yankeegas, these savings are possible for all of their customers.
“All of the things being done here is what we would do as part of the service that any CL&P or Yankeegas customer can have done on their home,” said Lenge.
Denise Clark, who wages war with her thermostat every winter, said she's grateful for the help.
“I’m excited to feel the difference to see it in my bills and feel the difference this winter,” she says. “I want to be warm.”
CL&P and Yankee Gas have completed similar projects working with other housing authorities, including in Danbury and Seymour and have upcoming projects planned in Stamford, Norwalk and Waterbury.
