Energy Company Freebies Free Products And Services To Lower Your Utility Bills

Energy companies across the United States offer various free programs, products, and services to help customers reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. These freebies include energy-efficient products, home energy assessments, weatherization services, welcome kits for new customers, rebate programs, and income-based assistance. Many consumers remain unaware of these valuable programs, which can provide immediate and long-term savings on energy costs. This comprehensive guide explores the types of freebies available, eligibility requirements, and how to access these benefits from utility providers.

Types of Free Energy Efficiency Products

Energy companies frequently distribute free energy-efficient products to encourage conservation and reduce peak demand. These items help customers lower their energy consumption without requiring an initial investment.

LED light bulbs are among the most commonly distributed freebies. Traditional incandescent bulbs consume significantly more energy and generate more heat than LED alternatives. According to one utility customer, they received five LED bulbs through their electric company's program, noting that "those things can be a bit pricey to switch to, but they're most cost-effective in the long run. Plus they reduce heat in the summer because they don't get hot like traditional bulbs."

Water conservation products are also frequently offered, often by unexpected providers. One consumer reported receiving a water saving kit from their gas company, which included "2 faucet aerators and a low-flow showerhead." The same customer noted that "reducing water flow will definitely help cut costs" despite the unusual source of the freebies.

Other common free energy efficiency products include: - Energy-efficient showerheads that maintain water pressure while reducing water and energy usage - Kitchen faucets with swivel and water flow control features - Outlet seals for exterior walls to prevent drafts and air leaks - Air temperature thermometers with suction cups for refrigerators - Nightlights with energy-efficient technology - Smart power strips designed to prevent "vampire energy" drain from electronics - Air filter alarms that notify users when to change their filters

These products are typically distributed through utility company websites, where customers must complete a request form. Some utilities may require customers to be active account holders, while others may have additional eligibility requirements.

Home Energy Assessments

Many energy companies offer free in-home energy assessments to help customers identify opportunities for efficiency improvements. These comprehensive evaluations provide homeowners with detailed reports outlining specific recommendations tailored to their property.

Duke Energy, for example, provides free in-home energy assessments that include "a detailed report afterward." The assessment helps homeowners understand their energy consumption patterns and identify cost-effective improvements. Customers can arrange these assessments either online or by calling a dedicated phone number.

The process typically involves a qualified energy specialist visiting the home to evaluate various systems and components. The specialist may use specialized equipment to measure air leakage, insulation levels, appliance efficiency, and other factors affecting energy consumption. After the assessment, homeowners receive a comprehensive report with specific recommendations and estimated savings for each recommended improvement.

Some utilities may offer tiered assessment options, with basic assessments available at no cost and more detailed evaluations requiring a co-payment. Focus on Energy, for instance, offers freebies to homeowners "who spend several hundred dollars on a home energy audit," suggesting a tiered approach to their assessment services.

Weatherization Services

Beyond distributing individual products, many energy companies offer free or discounted weatherization services to help homeowners improve their home's energy efficiency. These services can significantly reduce heating and cooling costs by addressing air leaks and inadequate insulation.

One electric utility customer described their experience with a free home weatherization program: "Our electric company has a program that offers free home weatherization to its customers." The process began with an evaluation by a third-party contractor to determine eligibility. After qualifying, the customer received comprehensive weatherization services including:

• Caulking around windows
• Foam insulation around pipes under sinks
• Weather stripping around all exterior doors
• Sealing around panels allowing access to plumbing on opposite walls

The contractor first "set up a test system to measure the amount of outside air that was getting into the house" to establish a baseline before implementing improvements. This scientific approach ensures that weatherization efforts address the most significant sources of energy loss.

Weatherization services can be particularly valuable during extreme weather conditions. As one report noted, December had been "the 16th-coldest on record in Milwaukee, with temperatures 7 degrees below normal" and "19% colder than normal," making effective weatherization crucial for maintaining comfort and controlling energy costs.

Welcome Kits for New Customers

Many energy companies offer welcome kits containing energy-efficient products to new customers as part of their onboarding process. These kits serve dual purposes: they help new customers reduce their energy consumption from day one and provide a positive initial experience with the utility provider.

PSEG, for example, offers a free energy efficiency welcome kit described as "our way of welcoming you to the neighborhood—a gift that'll help make your home more efficient." The welcome kit contains products designed to help customers "reduce your energy use and start saving right away."

To receive these welcome kits, new customers typically need to confirm their shipping information through a form on the utility's website. The process is straightforward, requiring only basic contact details and delivery information. Once submitted, the utility processes the request and ships the kit to the customer's specified address.

Welcome kits vary among utilities but commonly include: - LED light bulbs - Energy-efficient showerheads - Faucet aerators - Smart power strips - Energy-saving tips and information

These kits provide immediate value to new customers while introducing them to energy efficiency practices that can lead to long-term savings.

Rebate Programs

In addition to free products and services, many energy companies offer rebate programs that provide financial incentives for customers who invest in energy efficiency upgrades. These rebates can significantly reduce the upfront cost of qualifying improvements.

The AC Quality Install Program referenced in one source offers rebates for qualifying air conditioning installations. The program had specific dates during which installations would qualify, with "installs prior to this date will not qualify for the HVAC rebate."

Rebate programs typically require customers to: 1. Purchase qualifying energy-efficient products or equipment 2. Have the products installed according to specific guidelines 3. Submit a claim with proof of purchase and installation 4. Wait for processing and receipt of the rebate

Rebate amounts vary depending on the utility, the type of improvement, and the efficiency of the qualifying products. Some utilities offer tiered rebates, with higher incentives for more efficient models or larger systems.

Focus on Energy coordinates with contractors who provide weatherization services, offering rebates to homeowners who complete these improvements. These rebates help offset the cost of weatherization while encouraging energy conservation.

Income-Based Assistance Programs

Many energy companies offer special programs and discounts for customers with limited incomes or specific medical needs. These programs recognize that energy costs can represent a disproportionate burden for vulnerable households.

Arizona Public Service (APS) offers a flat 25% discount through their energy support program for qualifying low-income residents. The program also extends to households with medical care equipment that requires significant electricity.

Salt River Project (SRP) provides an economy price plan with a "flat rate credit of either $20 or $21 from the household's total bill, depending on the month" for qualifying customers. SRP customers who believe they qualify can contact the utility directly through a dedicated phone number.

For customers with medical needs that could be affected by power outages, SRP offers a "medical preparedness program" for customers who use specific medical equipment such as dialysis machines or infant apnea monitors. With a doctor's approval, customers can enroll in this program, which "prepares and notifies customers of planned outages so they can decide how to proceed."

Income-based assistance programs typically require customers to provide documentation of their income status or medical needs. Applications may be available online, by phone, or at local utility offices.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility requirements for energy company freebies vary depending on the utility and the specific program. Common eligibility factors include:

• Service territory: Customers must typically receive service from the offering utility
• Homeownership: Many programs, like Duke Energy's free gifts, require customers to own their single-family home
• Length of ownership: Some utilities require homeowners to have owned their property for a minimum period (Duke Energy requires homeowners to have owned their single-family home "for at least four months")
• Equipment requirements: Programs may require specific equipment, such as electric heaters or water heaters
• Income thresholds: Income-based programs require documentation of financial status

The application process also varies among utilities:

1. Product requests: Many energy-efficient products can be requested by filling out a form on the utility's website
2. Energy assessments: These typically require scheduling an appointment either online or by phone
3. Weatherization services: Often initiated by contacting the utility to express interest, followed by an evaluation
4. Rebate programs: Usually require submitting a claim with supporting documentation
5. Welcome kits: Automatically offered to new customers or requested through a simple form
6. Income assistance: Requires completing an application with financial documentation

Some utilities may have limited quantities of free products available, so availability can vary. Customers who encounter difficulties finding information about these programs may need to contact their utility directly or visit their website to explore available options.

Conclusion

Energy companies across the United States offer numerous free products, services, and programs designed to help customers reduce energy consumption and lower utility bills. These freebies range from simple energy-efficient products like LED bulbs and faucet aerators to comprehensive services like home energy assessments and weatherization.

While eligibility requirements vary among utilities, many programs are accessible to homeowners across different income levels. Some programs, like income-based assistance, specifically target vulnerable households, while others like welcome kits focus on new customers.

The benefits of these programs extend beyond individual savings to include reduced energy demand for the utility as a whole. By taking advantage of these free offerings, homeowners can achieve immediate savings while implementing long-term energy efficiency practices.

Despite the value of these programs, many consumers remain unaware of their availability. Utilities typically promote these programs through newsletters, websites, and bill inserts, but customers may need to proactively inquire about available options. By exploring their utility's website or contacting customer service, homeowners can discover numerous opportunities to receive free products and services that reduce energy consumption and lower utility costs.

Sources

1. Freebies to Help You Be More Energy Efficient
2. Save Money with Energy Utility Freebies
3. Duke Energy Free Gifts
4. Homeowners Look to Focus on Energy Freebies
5. Energy Rebates, Discounts, and Freebies
6. PSEG Free Energy Efficiency Welcome Kit