From left to right; Glen Huard from Union Gas, Melanie Johnston of Envirocentre and Michael Cullin of the United Way Sudbury and Nipissing District promote the Union Gas Home Weatherization program
From left to right; Glen Huard from Union Gas, Melanie Johnston of Envirocentre and Michael Cullen of the United Way Sudbury and Nipissing District promote the Union Gas Home Weatherization program

By: Nick Liard

More than 6,700 homes in Ontario have seen reduced energy costs thanks to the Union Gas Home Weatherization program and Sudburians can get in on the savings too.

The program is made possible through a partnership between the United Way Sudbury and Nipissing District and Union Gas and is available to income-eligible households free of charge.

Executive Director of the local United Way Michael Cullen says expect some major savings like 30-50% on energy bills.

Cullen says this program will be in place now and for up to five years.

Envirocentre in Ottawa are the ones who do assessments and installation on the homes across the province and Manager of Energy Program Delivery, Melanie Johnston says the initiative is two-fold, with savings and creating efficient homes.

Cullen says the application is easy and can be made at the United Way offices in Sudbury or online with Union Gas, but applicants must provide proof of income.

Once applications are made they will be sent to Envirocentre who will assess the homes and do the retrofitting.

Johnston says upgrades could be worth as much as $5,000.