Energy savings group helps 37K homeowners in 2012

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Energizing Indiana is saying it helped 37,000 Indiana homeowners save more than 420 million kilowatt-hours last year.

Indiana residents who participated in the program bought roughly 2.6 million energy efficient lightbulbs and businesses received roughly $5.1 million in support to upgrade their lighting.

The group performs energy assessments of homes and businesses and recommends ways to save energy and money. It is collaboration between the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor and the state's utilities. It is paid for with fees on Indiana ratepayers under an order from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

Managing Director Bob Nuss said Wednesday that the program received an "enthusiastic response" in its first year of operation and plans to expand on that this year.