Accent Energy Helps Mid-Ohio Foodbank Clients Conserve Energy - Donation of Conservation Kits Will Also Reduce Recipients' Utility Bills
Accent Energy, an independent provider of electricity, natural gas and green power, announced that it has helped address the needs of disadvantaged Central Ohio families with the donation of 970 Conservation Kits to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. After being divided among agencies in the Foodbank's network, these kits were distributed to families in need, allowing them to reduce their utility bills and contribute to a greener future.
Dublin, Ohio (PRWEB) February 24, 2009
Accent Energy, an independent provider of electricity (http://www. dynowatt. com), natural gas and green power, announced that it has helped address the needs of disadvantaged Central Ohio families with the donation of 970 Conservation Kits to the Mid-Ohio Foodbank. After being divided among agencies in the Foodbank's network, these kits were distributed to families in need, allowing them to reduce their utility bills and contribute to a greener future.
"Food pantries were so happy to get the light bulb kits from Accent Energy. The families they helped have to pinch every last penny and were certainly delighted to get these kits when they visited their neighborhood pantry," said Evelyn Behm, V. P. of Food and Strategic Initiatives at Mid-Ohio Foodbank.
The Conservation Kits consisted of three compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), a night light and insulating outlet covers. CFLs are energy-efficient replacements for old-fashioned incandescent light bulbs. With lower power consumption (http://www. dynowatt. com) and longer life, CFLs have become the standard for efficient lighting. According to Energy Star, an international energy efficiency standard, replacing one old light bulb with a compact fluorescent light bulb can save a consumer $30 in electricity costs over the lifetime of the bulb and prevent 2,000 times its weight in greenhouse gases from being released into the air. Those savings will add up for people who need it the most.
Some consumers are reluctant to switch to CFLs because of the slightly higher initial cost. The United States Congress passed the Clean Energy Act of 2007 to encourage the adoption of CFL technology. By January 2014, the classic incandescent bulb will be banned. Fortunately for consumers, the CFL technology will become even more affordable by the time the ban takes effect.
The night light included in each kit will increase safety in the recipient's home. Further savings will add up; a night light requires less energy to operate than leaving a light fixture on all night.
In this challenging economic climate, utility costs are straining family budgets more than ever. A Connecticut Food Bank survey revealed that 42% of food pantry and soup kitchen clients had to choose between paying for food or utilities. Families, including children, may skip meals or make do with smaller portion sizes. Worse, a family in need may try to save money by purchasing cheap food that fills the stomach. These meals may stave off hunger for a little while, but they are often lacking in the nutrients that contribute to long-term health.
Just as Accent Energy thinks out of the box to help energy consumers save energy and reduce energy costs (http://www. dynowatt. com/Energy101/ElectricityArticles. aspx/6_Energy-Use-and-Conservation-in-the-US), organizations like the Mid-Ohio Foodbank constantly think of new ways to address their clients' needs. The Foodbank has recently teamed with the Army, local television stations and even rock bands to ensure they keep their shelves stocked.
The Mid-Ohio Foodbank has recently begun a campaign to build a new warehouse in Grove City, Ohio, that would feature produce coolers to allow them to provide their clients with fresh fruits and vegetables in addition to non-perishable foods. The new warehouse would also be eco-friendly and energy efficient (http://www. dynowatt. com/Energy101/Conservation. aspx).
With the donation of these 970 Conservation Kits, Accent Energy hopes to ease the mind of some local families and contribute to the attitude we must all have going forward: that energy efficiency and the use of green power are within the reach of us all. "As an energy supplier we are keenly aware of how significantly energy costs impact consumers' budgets, especially at times such as these. That is why we're reaching out to the local community to help out," said Lance Schneier, Chairman and CEO of Accent Energy.
About Accent Energy
Accent Energy is a leading Texas Electricity (http://www. dynowatt. com) and Energy Services Company (http://www. dynowatt. com/Energy101/EnergyToday. aspx) that supplies electricity, natural gas and green power (http://www. dynowatt. com/Green/GreenWhy_Home. aspx? sId=Home) to commercial and residential customers. Accent is a different kind of energy company that allows its customers to build their own energy plans to fit their individual needs. Twenty-six years ago, Accent's founder led the way toward deregulation of the energy industry because he believed that customers should be able to choose their energy supplier. A lot has changed in the industry since then, but the same innovative spirit is alive and well at Accent. Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, Accent Energy serves customers in California and New York and as Dynowatt Powered by Accent Energy in Texas. Visit www. AccentEnergy. com or www. Dynowatt. com to learn more.
About Mid-Ohio Foodbank
Mid-Ohio Foodbank is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to feeding hungry people. The Foodbank supplies a network of over 530 food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters, senior dining centers, day care and after-school enrichment programs in 20 counties in central and eastern Ohio. Food comes from food industry donations, community food drives, and State and Federal food purchase programs. Mid-Ohio Foodbank is a member of Feeding America, the nation's food bank network. (www. midohiofoodbank. org).
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