As part of the Puget Sound Energy Homeprint program Jonathan Brown and Darrin Tyler of D92 assessed 30 homes in Point Roberts and handed out hundreds of energy efficient light bulbs for free.

"This is a survey, a broad overview,” Brown said, crawling out of an attic where he had determined there was insufficient insulation. During his survey he also pointed to weather stripping on the attic door, a new water heater and more energy efficient windows as ways the homeowner could cut their energy bill. “We follow up by email and work on the low-hanging fruit,” he said. “By following up on some simple recommendations people can generally save 15 to 20 percent on their energy bills.”

Replacing 10 light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights can save $10 a month off a household power bill.

Owners of homes built before 1989 can choose to take energy efficiency in their homes one step further through the Home Performance with Energy Star energy audit, a $400 process with rebates available for older homes. There are also grants and loans available for upgrades that will increase energy efficiency.

Speaking to the Point Roberts Community Advisory Committee at their October 9 meeting, Puget Sound Energy efficiency outreach manager Pinky Vargas said the residential assessments were the second part of a pilot project on the Point that started with assessments and upgrades at local businesses. “We’ve updated as many as we could,” she said, and would return in the spring to catch any seasonal homes and businesses they may have missed. “We want to try and have more touch points with our Point Roberts customers.”

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