PTBOCanada Feature Post: Learn How The AffordAbility Fund Can Help You Save On Home Electrical Bills

People have always said that there are two things in life you can’t avoid: death and taxes. We think it’s safe to say you can add bills to that list—especially electrical bills.

While you can sidestep some bills in life, the electrical bill isn’t usually one of them. Unless you’re living off the grid (if you’re reading this you totally aren’t) or you’re creating your own power you’re going to be paying for it.

When life starts piling up on us, it’s important to know where to look for help—especially when it comes to handling our finances and the inevitable monthly bills that never fail to arrive. Seriously, they’re like clockwork. But where DO you look? To the AffordAbility Fund, that’s where!

The Ontario Government, in collaboration with Peterborough Distribution, created this program to help customers who don’t qualify for low-income conservation programs deal with their burdensome home electrical bills.

If the cost of energy-saving upgrades is out of reach, this is exactly where you should turn to help make a positive change in your consumption.

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

-> First things first, you must take the initial step and contact them (don’t worry, you can do this online)! Believe it or not, they don’t know your current situation and they aren’t going door to door to ask. No matter if you rent or own, live in a house or an apartment, you may qualify so don’t let anything hold you back from making the first step. As long as you pay an electricity bill that’s in your name, you are in the running.

-> After the initial step, you’ll receive a call from the AffordAbility Fund. They will ask you some basic information, such as your monthly household income and average electricity bill to assess your situation. Based on a calculation taking into consideration the above-mentioned income and bills, you will find out if you qualify for one of the three potential levels of assistance.

The first level of assistance is their free Home Energy Kit they’ll send you in the mail. This kit may include:
• ENERGY STAR® light bulbs
• 7-outlet advanced power bar
• furnace/AC filter whistle (to let you know when they need a cleaning)
• a retractable clothesline, switch and outlet insulating foam gaskets (to stop cold air from getting in)
• 3-prong timer to program your electrical devices and/or faucet aerators along with energy-saving tips.

These are all upgrades that you can easily install yourself around your residence to start saving money.

The second level of assistance is a big step up. It involves the following:
• in-home visit from a professional Home Energy Advisor
• Home Energy Plan and potentially FREE upgrades that may include ENERGY STAR® appliances. (The appliances include refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioners, dehumidifiers and programmable thermostats.)

The third level of assistance is for people who have electrically heated residences. They’ll receive the following:
• in-home visit from a professional Home Energy Advisor
• Home Energy Plan and potentially be given upgrades that may include comprehensive draft proofing, attic insulation, wall insulation, and/or an ENERGY STAR® heat pump.

Did we mention that all upgrades, including installation, are offered free of charge?

So, ask yourself: Are your monthly energy bills a burden? Could you use some extra help? Think you qualify? Find out! The process is quicker than you think, and you might be pleasantly surprised with lower bills thanks to a few upgrades. You know what they say: “A penny nickel saved is a penny nickel earned!”

For more details on the AffordAbility Fund and to find out if you qualify, visit...

-> Affodabilityfund.org
-> PeterboroughUtilities.ca
-> Peterborough Utilities Facebook Group
-> @ptbo_utilities on Twitter
-> email: info@AffordAbility.org

**If your business/organization is interested in a PTBOCanada Featured Post Advertorial, email our Brand Strategy Director Aaron Elliott at aaron@ptbocanada.com for info!