09:40 AM EDT on Monday, October 10, 2005

BY TIMOTHY C. BARMANN
Journal Staff Writer

There are two energy audit programs available for Rhode Islanders, depending on household income.

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Multimedia: Tim Barmann narrates a home energy audit and offers tips on energy conservation with photos by Kris Craig

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The Weatherization Assistance Program, administered by the State Energy Office and local community action agencies, is for low-income households. Those who qualify for federal heating assistance are eligible.

The other program is EnergyWise, administered by Narragansett Electric. It's available to residential customers, condominium associations and apartment building owners.

Both programs provide similar services, except that the Weatherization program will also pay for replacing an inefficient refrigerator and making other improvements that will cut down on energy usage in a house.

The EnergyWise program offers 2-percent interest loans to pay for certain improvements, such as buying new energy-efficient windows, or the installation of insulation. It also provides a rebate of up to $200 to replace an older refrigerator.

With both programs, the findings of an energy auditor will be presented in a report that details electricity usage and ways it can be cut back.

The EnergyWise program is funded through a surcharge on the bills of all of Narragansett Electric customers.

That surcharge partially funds the Weatherization Assistance Program as well. In addition, that program gets money from the U.S. Department of Energy and from the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP.

To make an appointment for an audit through the EnergyWise program, call (888) 633-7947. Massachusetts residents can contact the Mass-Save program for an energy audit at (800) 632-8300.

To sign up for an energy audit through Rhode Island's Weatherization Assistance Program, call the State Energy Office at (401) 222-3370. Residents can also contact their community action agency.