IOWA CITY– A new program seeks donations to purchase energy efficiency materials for low-income households in Johnson County.
Johnson Clean Energy District (JCED) launched a new program, PAY-IT-FORWARD, to address the need for cost-saving energy efficiency options for low-income community members. The program purchases energy efficiency materials, using charitable donations from community members and grant funds, distributing them to low-income residents in Johnson County.
“We are excited to bring this program to Johnson County households in need,” said Ann Guhin, program manager for JCED. “Our hope is to create a replicable model for this effort to continue in the future. Charitable community members will be able to purchase an ‘energy care package’ and do exactly what the program name suggests, ‘pay-it-forward’ to a low-income resident.”
One $65 donation purchases an “energy care package” with 10 LED light bulbs and one high-quality, low-flow showerhead. Installing the package items will reduce energy costs up to $200 annually for each participating household. The energy savings from 100 donations would be equivalent to the electricity needs of nine homes for a year.
JCED also offers a PAY-IT-FORWARD+ option so that a donor can purchase two energy care packages, one for a low-income resident and one for the donor themself. The donation to participate in PAY-IT-FORWARD+ is $130.
“We’ve taken great care in constructing this care package, in particular selecting an excellent showerhead,” says Martha Norbeck, Board President of JCED. “This low-flow showerhead delivers both efficiency and a gratifying shower experience. No sacrifice is required.”
To find out more information about PAY-IT-FORWARD, visit www.johnsoncleanenergydistrict.org/services or contact [email protected].
Johnson Clean Energy District is a local nonprofit dedicated to helping Johnson County communities transition to clean energy, saving community members money, boosting local economies and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.