Free energy-saving kits and smart thermostats are valuable resources offered by utility companies to help households reduce energy consumption and lower monthly utility bills. These programs, often funded by utility providers or state initiatives, distribute products such as LED bulbs, low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, smart power strips, and smart thermostats at no cost to eligible customers. Access to these freebies is typically determined by geographic location, utility provider, and specific program requirements, which may include being an active customer, providing an account number, or participating in a survey or audit.
The availability of these programs varies significantly by state and utility company. For example, Southern California Gas Company offers a free energy-saving starter kit designed to help customers save on both energy and water. This kit includes faucet aerators and a low-flow showerhead. Account information is required, and customers can order a kit once every three years. In Washington, D.C., PEPCO Energy customers can request a free energy-saving kit along with a free energy checkup, with virtual checkups available.
In some regions, programs are tied to specific initiatives. Duke Energy provides one free energy kit every 36 months to homeowners in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, Indiana, or Kentucky with children attending schools participating in The Conservation Caper and Energy Agents programs during the 2016-2017 school year. The kit includes LED bulbs, an LED night light, a shower head, faucet aerators, and more. Even if you’re not a Duke Energy customer, you may qualify for a partial kit by filling in address and school information, providing your Duke Energy account number (with an option for those without an account), and answering a questionnaire.
In Idaho, customers of Idaho Power can receive a variety of energy-efficient products for free with a home energy audit. The specific items received depend on how you answer their survey. Account information is required, and the program is limited to one per household. No end date is posted, so ordering now is advisable.
For Ameren Illinois customers, a discounted thermostat is available starting at $10. Nicor Gas customers in Illinois can get a free energy kit by mail, choosing between a Free Water-Saving Kit or a Free Weatherization Kit. The water-saving kit includes 1 or 2 low-flow showerheads, 1 or 2 bathroom faucet aerators, a dual-spray kitchen faucet aerator, a shower timer, and plumber’s tape.
In Oregon and Washington, customers of Portland General Electric or Pacific Power, and NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas, or Avista can get a free Energy Saver Kit. In Washington state, NW Natural customers can also request the free Energy Saving Kit. Additionally, smart thermostat rewards are available for customers with qualifying Nest, ecobee, or Honeywell smart thermostats. Enrolling in a rewards program from PGE can result in up to $75, helping to stay comfortable, save energy, and lower demand during peak hours.
In Pennsylvania, residential customers of Met-Ed, Penelec, Penn Power, and West Penn Power (First Energy Customers) have access to rebates, money-saving tips, and more. Conversely, Southeastern Pennsylvania PECO income-qualified customers can request a free energy-saving kit. This kit may include items such as dimmable candelabra-style LED bulbs, water-saving faucet aerators, a low-flow showerhead, a smart power strip, and LED night lights.
In Massachusetts and Rhode Island, National Grid customers can get a Google Nest Mini for free, plus a $25 reward for signing up for Rush Hour Rewards. National Grid will give you a $25 reward and a Nest Mini for signing up for Rush Hour Rewards.
If your area is not listed, you should still search for programs in your location, as you may find you're eligible for freebies you didn’t know about.
How to Find and Request Free Energy-Saving Products
Consumers interested in obtaining these free devices should take the following steps, as outlined in available information:
- Check Utility Bills and Newsletters: Many utility companies include information about free conservation kits in monthly billing statements or email newsletters.
- Visit Official Utility Websites: Look for sections labeled "Energy Saving," "Water Efficiency," or "Conservation Programs."
- Use Zip Code Verification: Utilize search tools provided by programs like Save Water Save Money or local utility portals to verify what specific freebies are available in your area.
- Submit Request Forms: Complete online forms or email customer service departments to request kits. Response times may vary, and following up may be necessary.
Availability is strictly determined by the local utility provider and current funding for these conservation initiatives.
Government and Low-Income Assistance Programs
Beyond direct utility freebies, government-backed initiatives exist to support energy efficiency improvements, particularly for low-income and vulnerable households. The Energy Company Obligation (ECO) is one such program (referenced in the source material regarding UK infrastructure) that supports improvements like cavity wall insulation and loft insulation. In the U.S., similar assistance is often available through state-level weatherization assistance programs or federal incentives, though specific program names and eligibility requirements vary by state.
These programs often focus on structural improvements that provide long-term savings, such as replacing inefficient boilers or adding insulation, which reduce the overall energy load of a home.
Eco-Friendly Promotional Items
While utility programs focus on functional conservation devices, broader "Earth Day" and eco-friendly promotional campaigns often distribute branded sustainable products. These freebies serve both as utility conservation tools and marketing vehicles for brands. Examples of eco-friendly promotional items include:
- Stone Paper Journals: Notebooks made from stone rather than wood pulp, utilizing a bleach-free process.
- Recycled Materials: Products such as T-shirts made from recycled water bottles or golf balls made from recycled materials.
- Bamboo Products: Items utilizing bamboo, a renewable resource.
These items are typically distributed by brands during environmental awareness campaigns and are available through promotional product distributors or direct corporate giveaways.
Energy Monitoring Devices and Trials
Some programs provide devices like smart thermostats or energy monitors that offer real-time data on gas and electricity usage, allowing households to monitor consumption and make informed decisions about energy use. For instance, National Grid in Massachusetts and Rhode Island offers a Google Nest Mini for free with a sign-up for Rush Hour Rewards. Additionally, some programs also offer risk-free trials for energy monitoring apps (such as "Loop") that analyze electricity usage patterns to identify savings opportunities, such as phantom power drain or potential solar suitability.
Conclusion
Free energy-saving kits and smart thermostats are valuable resources offered by utility providers to help households reduce monthly expenses and environmental impact. By utilizing kits that include items like efficient showerheads, LED bulbs, and smart power strips, consumers can achieve measurable savings. Accessing these freebies typically requires active engagement with local utility providers through their websites or customer service channels. Availability is determined by geographic location, utility provider, and specific program eligibility, which may include being a customer, providing an account number, or participating in surveys or audits. Consumers are encouraged to check their utility bills, visit official utility websites, and use zip code verification tools to discover available programs in their area.