Building a Greener Harrisonburg
HEC has operated independently for over 60 years providing customers with reliable energy at low rates while also taking initiatives toward sustainability — not because it’s mandated, but because it’s the right thing to do.
As we continue to seek new opportunities to promote conservation efforts, we've also introduced a few operational changes that have helped reduce our own carbon footprint, including:
- $2 million spent on replacing streetlights with LED bulbs
- Switched meter systems to cut back on customer home visits, reducing vehicle emissions
These efforts, along with our green energy programs, have all been created without raising rates for the greater community.
Green Energy that’s Community-Powered
We also want to enable our community to support more sustainable practices by providing resources and offering programs that are designed to give you the choice of whether to participate, without affecting the rates for your neighbor.
Free-to-Participate Programs
Going green is easy and affordable with these programs that help the environment with no cost to you.
Friendly City Solar
Participating in this community solar partnership means you can feel good about supporting renewable energy without having the high upfront costs or ongoing maintenance of installing solar panels on your home. Visit our Solar Farm Dashboard to view live solar output and see how we're making a difference together.
Conservation
make your fridge more efficient
Keep your refrigerator temperature between 37ºF and 40ºF and your freezer setting at 0ºF. Position your refrigerator/freezer away from heat vents and direct sunlight. Keep your refrigerator coils and vents clean and free of obstruction. Do not overload your refrigerator or freezer or keep the door open for extended periods of time.
lighten your lighting load
Turn lights off when not in use. Replace light bulbs with compact fluorescent or LED bulbs — the light these produce is as bright as a regular bulb but does not generate the same heat. Install dimmers. Use dusk to dawn outdoor and security lights instead of lights that stay on longer.
Replace your air filter
Replacing a dirty air filter is one of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to improve the energy efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Replacing an air filter saves you money by improving the system’s performance and making it work easier.
keep your hot water hot
Adding an insulated blanket to your water heater can help prevent heat loss. Insulated blankets can be found at your local building supply store. The thicker the insulation you use, the more energy you will conserve.
For more tips on how to conserve energy, view our Energy Conservation Tips, visit the U.S. Department of Energy website, and follow us on Facebook.