Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines and the Central Region of American's Oil and Natural Gas Industry help make low-income homes more energy efficient DES MOINES, Iowa, May 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines, the local affiliate of the nation's largest volunteer home rehabilitation organization, and the Central Region of American's Oil and Natural Gas Industry today helped an elderly woman with modest means reduce her energy use and save money as part of an energy-efficient rebuild of her home. The rebuild is part of the Energy Efficient Homes Initiative, a national partnership between Rebuilding Together and America's oil and natural gas industry, which incorporates energy efficiency into home renovations for low- income homeowners nationwide, many of whom are elderly, disabled or have young children. The Initiative is an additional component of the 19-year-old national Rebuilding Together program that will revitalize nearly 10,000 homes across the country this year. With the help of the Initiative, Rebuilding Together will provide low-income homeowners the ability to reduce their energy consumption by as much as 30 percent. "This is a wonderful partnership. Together, we are making a positive difference in the lives of those most in need," said Lori McCombs, executive director, Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines. "Providing low-income homeowners the tools to dramatically improve energy efficiency enables them to save money and use it for other immediate needs such as food and health care." "America's oil and natural gas industry practices energy efficiency every day within its operations, so we know the significant value of such a commitment," said John Kerekes, region director, Central Region. "We are delighted to partner with Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines in this outstanding initiative. Our efforts will provide low-income homeowners the dual benefit of saving both energy and money." Last year, the Initiative was highlighted in 18 rebuilds nationwide, saving low-income homeowners thousands of dollars thanks to a variety of energy-saving features incorporated into their homes. Rebuilding Together Greater Des Moines is renovating more than 40 homes throughout the area this year, including the home of an 80-year-old homeowner. After her husband passed away, the homeowner was physically and financially unable to make the necessary home improvements. As part of the Initiative, her home will receive new weather-stripping and insulation, light fixtures with compact fluorescent lights and energy efficient windows and doors. Other renovations to the house will include installing an energy efficient furnace and replacing bathroom fixtures. "I can't believe this is happening to me. I am just happy to have been chosen," said the homeowner. "I appreciate everything so much. These improvements will allow me to live more comfortably in my own home, while saving money," she added. In addition to making homes more energy-efficient, the Initiative also provides low-income homeowners, volunteers and others with materials, and information to help them use energy wisely now and in the future.
