For more information, contact Aiden Graham, NCLCV Field Director; aiden@nclcv.org; (919) 597-8199

RALEIGH: As temperatures begin to drop around the Triangle, many local residents will face skyrocketing energy bills. The changing of the seasons force many Southeast Raleigh residents to make hard decisions when it comes to their money. Far too many pay nearly $400 a month to keep their homes warm and lights on during the coldest and hottest times of the year.

This Saturday, October 24, community residents will have the opportunity to get their hands on the resources and training to begin to make their homes more energy-efficient. PowerUp NC will be hosting a Community Block Party at Chavis Park from 12 – 4pm. PowerUp NC , a project of the NC League of Conservation Voters, is working with and in communities such as Southeast Raleigh to put an end to outrageous energy costs.

“October is National Weatherization Month. This is a great opportunity to engage residents who want to take action on lowering their energy bills but may not have the resources or information on how to start,” said Aiden Graham, NCLCV Field & Mobilization Director.

Weatherization projects can seem like simple, small home repairs such as sealing air leaks around windows, securing air leakage around switch plates, and using caulk or spray foam to seal up cracks in walls. But, all of these small actions can make a big difference when it comes to overall energy consumption, saving residents’ money and also helping reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

At Saturday’s event, residents will find multiple stations to learn more about ‘Do-It-Yourself’ weatherization techniques. For those who are unfamiliar with using caulk or foam sealant, volunteers will be on-hand to walk through how to use the tools properly, giving residents the knowledge to go home and put these tips into actual practice.

“The goal is to empower folks with the skills and understanding of how to weatherize their homes. Then, they can return to their neighborhoods and help others make their homes more energy-efficient,” said Erika Moss, PowerUp NC Field Organizer.

For weeks, PowerUp NC organizers and volunteers have been listening to the concerns of local residents. Many cite concerns for affordable housing, sustainable jobs, and high utility bills. PowerUp NC sees energy-efficiency programs as one solution to address all of these. Leading up to this event, the organizers have been doing outreach to churches, Shaw University, local Citizens Advisory Councils, and door-to-door in Southeast Raleigh neighborhood to get the word out.

“One of the big goals for this event is to show how important it is for the city to invest in Southeast Raleigh. This area experiences a great deal of inequity, and utility injustice is part of the problem. Energy-efficiency programs can help bring safe jobs, create healthier places to live, and reduce the burden of high energy bills” said Kaji Reyes-Gertes, Field Organizer with PowerUp NC.

Residents will also have the opportunity to pledge to become more energy-efficient by making a commitment to wash clothes in cold water and to reduce the temperature of their water heater. Additionally, participants can share what they would spend their savings on, once the make their homes more energy-efficient. Organizers will be taking photos and sharing out their goals on social media using #PowerUpNC.

“We also want this to be a space to bring people together to show there is a need, and people aren’t isolated in that need,” Moss said. This event will also feature free food and music.

What: Weatherization Block Party

Where: Chavis Park (closest to Worth Street), 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.

When: Saturday, October 24

Time: 12 – 4pm

PowerUp NC is building a movement for a stronger economy, healthier environment, and a more inclusive democracy. Through public education, advocacy, and organizing, we are advancing energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that lower energy bills, improve housing conditions, and reduce pollution by lowering dependence on fossil fuels. PowerUp NC is a project of the NC League of Conservation Voters. You can find more information by visiting nclcv.org/PowerUpNC.