ANAHEIM, CA (May 12, 2008) - Anaheim Public Utilities is partnering with the Electric & Gas Industries Association (EGIA) to sponsor its Home Investment Package (HIP) Home Energy Makeover Contest to demonstrate how homeowners can significantly reduce their energy costs and improve home comfort and safety. One lucky Anaheim homeowner will receive up to $50,000 worth of energy efficient upgrades, such as a new heating and air conditioning system, upgraded insulation, efficient windows, air sealing, lighting and energy-efficient appliances.

All Anaheim homeowners are encouraged to submit their Energy Makeover Contest application by June 30. Contest entry forms and program details are available online at www.egia.org/Anaheim. Twenty (20) finalists will be selected through an application screening process that will identify those homes with the greatest potential to demonstrate energy savings. Each of the 20 finalists will receive a free comprehensive home energy analysis, funded by Anaheim Public Utilities and valued up to $1,000..

The Home Investment Package is Anaheim’s version of Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, a national program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Energy. The program offers a comprehensive “whole-house” approach to improving energy efficiency and comfort at home, while helping to protect the environment. According to the EPA, a drafty home, rooms that are too hot or too cold and high energy bills are all common issues for homeowners. Installing a new heating or air conditioning system, buying replacement windows or adding more insulation may fix part of the problem. But, the way to better results is through an integrated “whole-house” approach that looks at your house as a system.

“The contest will give added exposure to our new HIP program,” said Mariann Long, assistant general manager for Anaheim Public Utilities. “The program bundles various rebate offers into a one-stop shop designed to make homeowners sit up and take notice of the more than $15,000 in savings they can realize through the program. These savings include a waiver of permit fees for energy-efficient improvements that can cost up to $1,000, and up to $14,000 in incentives, which are used for projects such as installing solar energy systems as well as ENERGY STAR rebates.”

Home Energy Makeover Contest sponsors are donating the products and services to be featured in the Home Energy Makeover. In addition to Anaheim Public Utilities and the Electric & Gas Industries Association, co-sponsors include Southern California Gas Company, Eagle Shield, Global HVAC, Ruud Air Conditioning, GE Money, Anlin Window Systems with American Vision Windows and Conservation Services Group.