Constellation, a retail energy supplier, today announced an innovative partnership initiative with Habitat for Humanity aimed at reducing energy costs for Habitat partner families through solar generation, weatherization and other energy efficiency solutions.
Funded by $100,000 in direct funding to Habitat affiliates and a new $100,000 national partnership with Habitat for Humanity International, the initiative will reach families in Boston, Chicago, Houston, and Baltimore, where Constellation is headquartered, and support builds in other cities where the company does business.
“We are grateful to Constellation and its employees for their commitment to Habitat’s mission to strengthen families and revitalize communities,” said Larry Gluth, senior vice president US and Canada, Habitat for Humanity International. “Energy costs are often an obstacle to homeownership and this effort will help lessen that burden for Habitat families and enable them to dedicate more of their budget to other basic needs.”
The initiative builds on Constellation’s previous efforts to lower energy costs for Habitat families. The company has given over $2 million to affiliates across the country since 1995.
"Constellation is pleased to take our commitment to Habitat for Humanity to the next level,” said Bruce Stewart, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Constellation. “Helping customers buy, manage and use energy more efficiently is key to our business, so it is very meaningful for us to be able to provide energy improvements and critical savings for Habitat families."
The company has provided over $75,000 to Houston Habitat since 2013 to weatherize 20 homes, resulting in an average annual savings of $438 per family compared to bills from previous years, a 20 percent reduction in energy costs. Ten Houston homes are targeted for weatherization upgrades in 2016.
“I have worked hard in my life to raise and support my children, but I also want to realize the American Dream of owning my own home,” said Annie Clay, Houston Habitat partner family member. “Because Habitat takes an abundant amount of energy cost-reducing measures, Habitat homes have a very low energy footprint, making for very low utility costs for me and my family.”
In 2013 and 2014, weatherization improvements to 10 homes in Chicago reduced annual energy costs by an average of $800 per family. This initiative will provide assistance with weatherization projects to approximately 40 families in the city’s West Pullman area through an affordable cost share program. Weatherization efforts include caulking, insulation improvements, window replacement and weather stripping.
Constellation is currently working with Habitat Boston to pilot solar installations on six homes. The installations are expected to provide approximately 85 percent of the homeowners’ electricity needs. The company has also worked with Habitat for Humanity of the Greater Chesapeake in Baltimore to fund and construct 77 homes to Energy Star 3.0 standards, lowering energy costs by approximately 25 percent for homeowners.
In addition to its financial commitment, Constellation employees volunteered over 1,500 hours for Habitat builds across the country this year.