AARP Creates New Initiative to Help Vulnerable Community Members Reduce Energy Costs This Winter

Source: AARP Press Center

November 20, 2008

Contact: Elly Spinweber 202-434-2560 espinweber@aarp.org

AARP today announced Operation Energy Save, a new initiative to encourage friends, family and neighbors to conserve energy by making small changes around the house that are proven to reduce energy costs. In an economy where every bit counts, these small changes could save Americans millions of dollars this winter.

Part of Create the Good, a network of independent volunteers active in neighborhoods across the country, Operation Energy Save features easy-to-use checklists, instructional guides and simple tips to help their neighbors save on household energy expenses. The free resource is available at www.AARP.org/CreateTheGood.

“Nearly 75 percent of Americans have seen a rise in their heating and cooling costs in the last year, and while many have made changes to save money, others need help making adjustments to protect their pocketbooks,” said Tom Nelson, Chief Operating Officer, AARP. “Helping out our most vulnerable community members will go a long way towards helping them stay safe this winter.”

Checklist items are quick, simple changes that include:

* Lowering thermostats in the winter by 10 percent (like from 74° to 67°) for eight hours, which can shave 10 percent off the household heating bill.
* Closing the heat vents and the doors in rooms that aren’t being used.
* Turning off kitchen and bathroom ventilating fans when not in use. If left on for an hour, they can suck all the heat out of the house.
* Making sure furniture is not blocking a heat register and moving furniture away from cold exterior walls and windows.

Information on where to volunteer or to get local community groups involved can be found at www.AARP.org/CreateTheGood.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 34.5 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's 40 million members and Americans 50+; AARP Segunda Juventud, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.