Sustainable Energy and Interfaith Power and Light announce faith efficiencies partnership

The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility, in partnership with Delaware Interfaith Power and Light, has announced a new Energize Delaware program for Delaware’s faith-based institutions. The Faith Efficiencies program will identify and engage houses of worship in New Castle, Sussex and Kent counties in order to provide affordable, energy-saving solutions including energy audits, remediation and energy education.

The mission of Delaware Interfaith Power and Light is to rally faith communities to address causes and impacts of climate change. “Our shared goal is to provide education and resources to expand the use of energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy strategies throughout the state,” said Lisa Locke, Delaware Interfaith Power and Light executive director. Program objectives are to lower energy costs, improve building operations, increase comfort levels, provide healthier environments and raise consciousness.

“The actual audit of the church facility was amazing in providing insight and motivating us to make a head and heart commitment to identifying the best ways to save energy and money. Ecology and economy are words we now use in the same sentence,” said the Rev. Idola Batson of Mt. Calvary AME Church in Seaford, the first to engage in the Faith Efficiencies program. Batson also serves on the board of the Delaware Interfaith Power and Light.

Delaware faith communities with annual utility bills under $20,000 are eligible for this program. Applicants will receive a comprehensive, investment-grade energy audit. Auditors will provide detailed repair and upgrade recommendations ranked by the highest rate of return on investment.

Seventy-five percent of the cost of the audit will be covered by the SEU. Participants will be advised on a range of financial incentives and may be eligible for low-interest financing or grants available for those that pay the state utility tax.

Delaware Interfaith Power and Ligh staff will set up a private account for the house of worship on the EPA’s Portfolio Manager to track energy usage and evaluate program effectiveness. Educational forums will be offered to establish stewardship teams and home energy-saving strategies, including SEU’s Home Performance with Energy Star program.

The total cost for all program services is estimated at $175, excluding remediation. Those interested should contact Lisa Locke at lisa.locke@deipl.org or 616-914-1597.