Free Gas And Energy Savings Programs For Us Consumers

Free gas and energy savings opportunities are available to consumers through various programs offered by utility companies, gas station rewards programs, and cashback apps. These programs can help reduce energy costs at home and save money on fuel purchases. This article explores the different types of gas and energy freebies and savings programs available to US consumers.

Free Energy Efficiency Programs

Utility companies offer various energy efficiency programs that provide free products and services to help customers reduce their energy consumption. These programs can result in significant cost savings on utility bills while also promoting environmental sustainability.

Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program

Nicor Gas offers several free energy-saving programs to its customers, including free water-saving kits, weatherization kits, and home energy assessments. These programs are designed to help customers identify and implement energy-saving measures in their homes.

Free Water-Saving and Weatherization Kits

Nicor Gas customers can order free water-saving kits and weatherization kits. While the specific contents of these kits are not detailed in the source material, customers are instructed to have their account number ready when ordering. Customers who cannot locate their account number can contact Nicor Gas at 877.886.4239 for assistance with placing an order.

The free energy-saving kits are available exclusively to Nicor Gas customers. To order these kits, customers need to provide their account number and contact information.

Home Energy Assessments

Nicor Gas offers free home energy assessments for homeowners and renters participating in the Customer Select program. These assessments include a walk-through evaluation of the home's energy usage and the installation of free energy-saving products.

The home energy assessment process involves the following steps:

• Customers can schedule an assessment by calling 855.660.9378 or completing an online scheduling form.
• Assessments are available Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Customers are limited to one energy assessment per home per year.
• An energy advisor will perform the assessment and will have a badge to identify themselves.
• The assessment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the home.
• An adult over the age of 18 must be present during the assessment to answer questions about the home.

During the assessment, customers may receive and have installed the following energy-saving products at no cost:

• Advanced power strips
• Smart thermostats
• ENERGY STAR certified LEDs (for customers who are also ComEd customers)

Customers can decline the installation of any or all of these products. At the time of the assessment, customers also have the option to purchase a smart thermostat at a discounted rate. Additional eligibility requirements may apply for all products.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate in Nicor Gas energy efficiency programs, customers must meet certain eligibility requirements:

• Customers must be Nicor Gas customers receiving their gas bill from Nicor Gas.
• Customers must have a natural gas forced air heating system (furnace) and a central air conditioner to be eligible for certain products.
• Renters must obtain written permission from the property owner before participating, including the property owner's contact information and which free energy-saving products have been approved for installation.
• A hand-written notice from the property owner is acceptable.

It's important to note that energy advisors will not move furniture or install energy-saving products if they are not confident they can install them safely or without damaging property. Advanced power strips will be left with homeowners, but will not be installed.

Additional Benefits

In addition to the installation of free and discounted energy-saving products, customers will learn about other ways to save energy and receive information about rebates offered by Nicor Gas. The energy assessment is a free service with no obligation to complete any of the recommendations provided.

Customers of Nicor Gas and ComEd may receive additional benefits, as the Energy Advisor may install free ENERGY STAR certified LEDs. Advanced power strips are also available for purchase during the visit at a discounted price.

Gas Rewards Programs

Enrolling in gas rewards programs is another effective way to save money on fuel purchases. These programs typically provide cents back for every gallon of gas purchased, resulting in direct savings at the pump.

How Gas Rewards Programs Work

Most gas rewards programs are free to join and operate through a simple process:

• Customers can sign up on the program's website or through a mobile app.
• Rewards are earned by entering a phone number when purchasing gas or by paying with a debit or credit card linked to the account.
• The accumulated rewards are then applied to future fuel purchases, reducing the cost per gallon.

To maximize the benefits of gas rewards programs, consumers should:

• Choose a rewards program for a gas station that they visit frequently, as many programs offer higher rewards rates to loyal customers.
• Consider the value of the rewards relative to the effort required to participate, as some programs may not offer significant benefits.
• Use a gas rewards credit card in conjunction with a gas rewards program for additional savings.

Gas Rewards Credit Cards

For consumers looking to maximize their savings on fuel purchases, gas rewards credit cards offer an additional layer of benefits. CNBC Select has identified several gas rewards credit cards that provide substantial cash back or rewards:

• PenFed Platinum Rewards Visa Signature® Card
• Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Citi Strata Premier® Card

These cards offer at least 3x points or 3% cash back on gas purchases, providing significant savings for regular drivers. By combining these credit card rewards with gas station loyalty programs, consumers can maximize their savings on fuel purchases.

Additional Ways to Save on Gas

Beyond traditional gas rewards programs and energy efficiency initiatives, consumers can explore additional methods to save on gas and related expenses.

Fetch App Rewards

The Fetch app offers consumers an opportunity to earn free gift cards and rewards that can be applied to gas purchases and other expenses. The app works by allowing users to earn points through everyday activities:

• Shopping at participating retailers
• Playing games within the app
• Scanning receipts from purchases

These points can then be redeemed for various rewards, including gas gift cards, effectively reducing fuel costs. The Fetch app slogan "Fetch makes every day feel like your birthday" highlights how users can earn rewards regularly, not just on special occasions.

To use Fetch for gas savings:

1. Download the Fetch app
2. Start earning points through shopping, gaming, and receipt scanning
3. Redeem points for gas gift cards or other rewards

While not a direct gas rewards program, Fetch provides an indirect way to save on gas expenses by converting everyday shopping activities into valuable rewards.

Conclusion

US consumers have multiple opportunities to save on gas and energy costs through various free programs and initiatives. Utility companies like Nicor Gas offer free energy-saving kits, assessments, and products that can reduce home energy consumption and lower utility bills. Gas rewards programs provide direct savings at the pump, while gas rewards credit cards offer additional cash back or points on fuel purchases. Additionally, apps like Fetch allow consumers to earn rewards that can be applied to gas purchases through everyday activities.

By taking advantage of these programs and combining multiple savings strategies, consumers can significantly reduce their energy and fuel expenses. The key is to understand eligibility requirements, participate actively in rewards programs, and maximize the benefits of available offers.

Sources

1. British Gas Vouchers for Free Energy
2. Nicor Gas Free Products and Services
3. Pack Banditz Seed Bank
4. Best Places to Get Birthday Freebies
5. Gas Rewards Programs That Can Save You Money