Home Builders Like APS Energy Efficiency Program
Monday, October 24, 2011 at 5:08PM PHOENIX, Oct 24, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Arizona Public Service now has the 20 largest home builders in its service territory taking part in the APS ENERGY STAR Homes program.
The program encourages and incentivizes builders to construct homes that meet or exceed stringent 
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency efficiency standards, resulting in homes that are at least 20 percent more efficient than standard homes.
An ENERGY STAR home can save homeowners up to $400 a year on their utility bills.
"The cleanest, cheapest source of power is electricity that is never generated or used, which comes from energy efficiency," said Tom Hines, APS program manager. "By encouraging home builders to incorporate energy efficiency features into every home they construct, we are able to meet growing energy demand without needing to build new power plants."
As an energy resource, energy efficiency is four to five times cheaper than building a new natural gas power plant.
An ENERGY STAR home uses a combination of energy efficient improvements, including effective insulation, sealed construction and ductwork, quality heating and cooling equipment and tight windows. Along with saving energy, the homes provide additional value when being sold, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Reader Comments (2)
The national news has been focused lately on some high profile renewable energy failures. But they've been missing out on the bigger picture: clean energy jobs, powered by energy efficiency, are growing and here to stay.
Energy efficiency should be taken in consideration by the government to encourage more people in saving up energy. At the same time help stop dependency to fossil fuels.