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St. Michael's saves big through energy efficiency projects

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Posted at 10:27 AM, Dec 11, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-11 12:13:26-05

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — St. Michael's, a housing facility for veterans, is now saving thousands of dollars.

The facility partnered with Evergy, which implemented two energy efficiency projects: interior LED Lighting and Direct Install.

St. Michael's is now saving roughly $12,000 a year, keeping the rent costs down for veterans, while that money saved focuses on other programs for its veterans.

One of the biggest changes they implemented are faucet aerators.

They reduce the volume of water flowing from the faucet, saving both energy and money. The starting cost for faucet aerators is about $7.

Evergy also implemented LED lighting in the hallways and apartments of St. Michael's. LED lighting use at least 75 percent less energy and lasts 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.

Evergy states the changes help keep the rent costs down for veterans who live there.

"We talk a lot about energy savings, kilowatts , kilowatt hours as a utility but that human element is so critical," Kevin Brannon with Evergy said. "Being able to reduce that energy burden for customers - have them use those dollars for things that really matter most is really what we're trying to do with these programs."

"That's security," St. Michael's tenant, Alexander Foster said. "You know you have a roof over your head , bills are paid. That gives you comfort ,m that gives you a piece of mind that you don't have to have that over your head at the end of the day you gotta make ends meet - that's one less stress when it comes to a veteran that you don't need."

If you're looking at ways to save, one of the things you can do is an energy audit to get an assessment of your home's energy.

You can get a professional or assess on your own. Locate any air leaks, look for any leaky faucets, check insulation and also check you heating and cooling system.

Check out more energy saving tips here.