Free Energy Saving Kits And Smart Thermostats From Utility Companies Across The United States

Many utility companies in the United States offer free energy saving products and kits to their customers as part of conservation initiatives. These programs provide households with items such as LED bulbs, faucet aerators, shower heads, smart power strips, and sometimes even smart thermostats at no cost. Eligibility requirements vary by location and utility provider, with most requiring customers to have an active account with the company. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the free energy saving programs available across different states in the US.

Overview of Utility Company Energy Saving Programs

Utility companies implement free energy saving programs as part of their conservation efforts and to help customers reduce their energy consumption and associated costs. These programs typically involve distributing free products that can help households become more energy efficient. Most programs require customers to provide their account information to verify eligibility and ensure that only active customers receive the free products.

The types of products offered through these programs vary but commonly include:

• LED light bulbs
• Water-saving faucet aerators
• Low-flow shower heads
• Smart power strips
• Energy-saving kits with multiple items

Some utility companies also offer free home energy assessments where technicians evaluate a home's energy efficiency and provide recommendations and products tailored to the specific household's needs.

Energy Saving Programs by State

California

Southern California Gas Company offers a free energy saving starter kit designed to help customers save energy and water. The kit includes faucet aerators and a low-flow shower head. To request this kit, customers must provide their account information, and they can order a kit once every three years.

BayREN, a California energy efficiency program, provides free, custom Energy Saving Toolkits full of products that can reduce energy use and save money. These kits include free LED bulbs, power strips, water-saving aerators, and shower heads—valued at up to $70.

Washington D.C.

PEPCO Energy Customers in Washington, D.C. can request a free energy saving kit with a free energy checkup. Virtual checkups are available for those who prefer remote services.

Idaho

Idaho Power customers can receive various energy-efficient products for free with a home energy audit. The specific products depend on the customer's responses to a survey about their home's energy usage. Customers need to enter their account information to participate, and the program is limited to one kit per household. No end date has been posted for this program.

Illinois

Ameren Illinois customers can access a discounted thermostat starting at $10. Nicor Gas customers can sign up for free energy-saving kits. Additionally, Ameren Illinois electric residential delivery service customers can receive instant savings when purchasing qualified LEDs.

Indiana

AES Indiana residential customers can receive a free energy savings kit filled with easy-to-install, money-saving products. These include free LED bulbs, a smart power strip, a gift certificate to a home improvement store, and more.

Michigan Indiana Power customers can sign up for energy-saving products and savings programs.

Georgia

Georgia Power Marketplace offers discounts on energy-saving smart home products for Georgia Power residential customers with air conditioning or electric heat pump systems.

Kansas and Missouri

OG&E's Home Energy Efficiency Program in Arkansas provides energy-saving tools, services, and incentives to all customers.

Ameren Missouri customers who qualify can receive energy efficient products for free. Missouri residential customers served by Evergy and Spire can get a free Energy Savings Kit. When making an appointment for a home energy assessment, customers receive complimentary upgrades throughout their home along with personalized tips for additional savings.

Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, and Indiana

Duke Energy provides one FREE Energy Kit every 36 months to homeowners in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, or Kentucky with children attending schools participating in The Conservation Caper and Energy Agents programs during the 2016-2017 school year.

Duke Energy customers in Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, and Kentucky can visit Duke Energy's website for low and no-cost programs and products.

Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island

National Grid Customers in Massachusetts or Rhode Island can get a Google Nest Mini for free, plus a $25 reward for signing up for Rush Hour Rewards. Additionally, participants receive a $20 reward at the end of each summer season they remain in the program.

National Grid NY customers in New York will receive a $30 reward and a free Google Nest Mini.

In New York, customers can order a free Con Edison energy-saving kit. The state also maintains a government website listing various energy-saving programs available to residents.

Minnesota

Minnesota Energy Resources customers can get free water conservation kits.

Nevada

NV Energy offers free energy-saving products and ideas for their customers.

New Jersey

PSEG provides energy-saving offers, including rebates, discounts, and free offers to help customers save. Jersey Central Power and Light customers can pick up a free energy efficiency kit. Various rebate programs are also available.

New Mexico

PNM offers an Easy Savings Kit that customers may qualify for free. New Mexico Gas customers can request a free energy-saving kit that includes a high-efficiency showerhead and water-saving faucet aerators.

Oregon and Washington

In Oregon, Portland General Electric or Pacific Power customers, and NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas or Avista customers can get a free Energy Saver Kit. In Washington state, NW Natural customers can also request the free Energy Saving Kit.

Smart Thermostat Rewards are available for customers with qualifying Nest, ecobee, or Honeywell smart thermostats. By enrolling in the program, PGE will send up to $75 to help customers stay comfortable, save energy, and help lower demand during peak hours.

Pennsylvania

Residential customers of Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power, and West Penn Power (First Energy Customers) have access to rebates and money-saving tips.

Southeastern Pennsylvania PECO income-qualified customers can request a free energy saving kit that includes items such as dimmable candelabra style LED bulbs, water-saving faucet aerators, a low flow showerhead, a smart power strip, and LED night lights.

Arkansas

OG&E's Home Energy Efficiency Program provides energy-saving tools, services, and incentives to all customers.

Florida

Duke Energy customers in Florida can access low and no-cost programs and products through the company's website.

International Energy Saving Programs

While focusing on US-based programs, it's worth noting that some international energy saving initiatives also offer free products:

• In Canada, BC Hydro provides free energy saving kits to income-qualified households. The Energy Affordability Program in Ontario offers energy-saving upgrades tailored to specific home needs at no cost.
• In Australia, Easy Being Green provides energy savings and free products.

How to Find Energy Saving Programs in Your Area

If your area is not specifically listed in this article, there are still ways to find energy saving programs available in your location:

1. Check your local utility company's website directly for energy efficiency programs and rebates.
2. Contact your utility company's customer service department to inquire about available free products or energy saving programs.
3. Search for "[Your State] energy efficiency programs" or "[Your Utility Company name] energy saving kits" online.
4. Look for state-specific energy efficiency organizations that may list available programs.

Many utility companies offer programs that aren't widely advertised, so direct inquiry can sometimes reveal additional opportunities for free energy saving products.

What to Expect When Requesting Free Energy Saving Products

When requesting free energy saving products from utility companies, customers should generally expect the following:

1. Need to provide account information to verify eligibility
2. Possibly complete a brief survey about energy usage
3. Receive products by mail or through in-person pickup
4. Some programs may require scheduling an in-home energy assessment
5. There may be limits on how often customers can request free products (such as once every 1-3 years)
6. Some programs are income-qualified while others are available to all customers

Conclusion

Free energy saving programs from utility companies offer valuable resources for households looking to reduce energy consumption and costs. These programs provide a variety of products including LED bulbs, water-saving fixtures, smart power strips, and sometimes even smart thermostats at no cost. Eligibility requirements and available products vary by location and utility provider, with most requiring customers to have an active account with the company.

While this article covers numerous states across the US, many additional programs may be available in areas not specifically mentioned. The most reliable way to find available programs in your specific location is to check directly with your local utility company or state energy efficiency organizations.

By taking advantage of these free programs, households can not only reduce their energy bills but also contribute to broader energy conservation efforts. The products provided through these programs are typically easy to install and can provide immediate energy savings with minimal effort.

Sources

1. Free Energy Saving Kits & Smart Thermostats + Free Shipping
2. Free Energy Saving Products Kits from Your Utility Company
3. Free LED Bulbs and Energy Conservation Kits