Community Energy Center opens in Georgetown

Summer’s heat can push utility bills to the max, but with the recent opening of the Georgetown Community Energy Center, Sussex Countians looking for energy bill assistance now have a one-stop-shop.

During a July 17 ribbon cutting, Suzanne Sebastian, Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility program manager, said the center offers budget counseling, energy education, weatherization and referrals to other related programs.

Sebastian said having the one-stop-shop can really make a difference for people. There may be resources available, she said, but getting to multiple appointments is hard and having to fill out lots of paperwork can be discouraging.

“It really benefits the clients,” she said.

Since opening in November 2016, the centers have provided more than 830 low-income Delawareans with energy counseling and bill payment assistance. The program has also educated more than 400 Delawareans on home weatherization.

The Sussex County center is in the Thurman Adams State Service Center, 546 S. Bedford St., Georgetown.

The program also serves the community through Home Energy Workshops. Angela Bivens, First State Community Action Agency program coordinator, said in addition to important information, attendees of the workshops receive a kit that includes two LED light bulbs, an LED night light, a caulking gun and caulk.

“These workshops give us a chance to empower clients,” she said.

For more information on the Georgetown Community Energy Center, call 302-515-3015 or go to energizedelaware.org.