Reliant Energy, a company that provides electricity and energy services to retail customers, is introducing two new services – an in-home energy audit and home electricity review – to help customers understand and manage the use of electricity.
Reliant’s Home Energy Audit, provides customers with a personalized analysis of how their home is using – and possibly losing – energy. The Home Electricity Review examines and compares information including electricity usage each month, cost and plan type, giving customers tips and information to lower their energy bill.
As part of the Home Energy Audit, Reliant’s energy consultants spend an hour with customers in their homes, discussing their electricity use and pointing out where there are scope for energy-saving improvements.
After the audit, Reliant creates a detailed report, which is expected to help customers manage their energy use. It provides energy saving-tips and energy efficiency recommendations, ranging from insulating windows to installing a programmable thermostat. It also includes a bill analysis to review current product pricing.
Customers will receive a leave-behind guide with tips on how to efficiently operate their heating and cooling systems, home appliances and lighting. The leave-behind guide also offers tips on reducing energy loss through windows and attic space, which without adequate insulation can lose up to 40% of heated or cooled air, the company said.
The home audit is free for Reliant Energy customers and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Home Electricity Review breaks down customers’ monthly bill, showing how temperature, average daily use and other factors affect the overall bill from month to month.
It confidentially compares the customer’s electricity use to other homes with similar characteristics and, based on an analysis of monthly usage, provides a list of energy and money-saving recommendations.
Bill Clayton, vice president of customer care operations of Reliant Energy, said: “Our objective is to empower our customers. Buying and using electricity shouldn’t be a guessing game. When consumers understand how their homes and appliances work they can make more informed decisions.”