Bessemer, one of Pueblo’s oldest neighborhoods, recently saw a collaborative effort to improve energy efficiency in its historic homes. On July 31, employees from Black Hills Energy and Franklin Energy, along with volunteers from NeighborWorks, distributed weatherization kits to residents. The kits were assembled by AM Conservation, a company owned by Franklin Energy.
Volunteers went door to door providing the kits and sharing energy-saving tips. NeighborWorks also contributed by giving potted plants to residents.
“We had great participation from our own employees and our partners. The weather was fantastic and reception in the neighborhood was very positive — it was a great day,” said Natalie F, public affairs program manager. “We’re hoping to go bigger next year and visit even more homes.”
John V, public affairs senior program manager at Black Hills Energy, emphasized the importance of such initiatives for the community. “We know we serve an economically fragile area, and we are working hard to connect people with programs and tools to help them manage their energy bills,” he said.
Derrick B., energy efficiency program coordinator, described how the event combined ideas from previous outreach efforts: “I wanted to marry the two ideas, which is how we landed on a door-to-door event with a dull weatherization of one customer’s home as an addition,” Derrick said.
At one home belonging to Sarah—known as Shawzy—the Franklin Energy team replaced her HVAC filter, installed LED lightbulbs throughout the house, added air purifiers in key locations, put in weather stripping and carbon monoxide detectors. Shawzy has been restoring her inherited home with support from Black Hills Energy and Franklin Energy through upgrades like a high-efficiency refrigerator and swamp cooler air conditioner.
“I can’t even express how grateful I am for everybody here,” Shawzy said of the weatherization efforts and assistance she received. “The last year has been really hard, but you guys have been so great and it has made a big difference for me.”
Black Hills Energy continues these types of programs as part of its commitment to helping Pueblo residents reduce utility costs through efficiency improvements and other measures such as leveraging solar gardens for customers enrolled in assistance programs.
