Bessemer, a historic neighborhood in Pueblo, Colorado, recently received support from Black Hills Energy and its partners to improve energy efficiency among residents. On July 31, employees from Black Hills Energy and Franklin Energy, along with volunteers from NeighborWorks, distributed weatherization kits to Bessemer homes. The kits were designed and assembled by AM Conservation, which is owned by Franklin Energy.
The volunteer group went door-to-door sharing the kits and offering energy-saving tips. NeighborWorks also contributed by providing potted plants to residents.
“We had great participation from our own employees and our partners. The weather was fantastic and reception in the neighborhood was very positive — it was a great day,” said Natalie F, public affairs program manager. “We’re hoping to go bigger next year and visit even more homes.”
Black Hills Energy’s outreach is part of its ongoing effort to assist the Pueblo community. “We know we serve an economically fragile area, and we are working hard to connect people with programs and tools to help them manage their energy bills,” said John V, public affairs senior program manager.
Derrick B., energy efficiency program coordinator for Black Hills Energy, explained how the event combined two ideas: a full weatherization of one home alongside a broader door-to-door distribution effort. “I wanted to marry the two ideas, which is how we landed on a door-to-door event with a dull weatherization of one customer’s home as an addition,” Derrick said.
Franklin Energy led the full weatherization at the home of Sarah (“Shawzy”), where they replaced her HVAC filter, installed LED lightbulbs throughout the house, added air purifiers in key locations, put in weather stripping, and set up carbon monoxide detectors.
Shawzy has been working on restoring her inherited home with help from Black Hills Energy and Franklin Energy. Their support included installing efficient appliances like a high-efficiency refrigerator and swamp cooler air conditioner.
“I can’t even express how grateful I am for everybody here,” Shawzy said of the efforts made at her home. “The last year has been really hard, but you guys have been so great and it has made a big difference for me.”
Black Hills Energy continues these types of initiatives as part of its broader goal to assist Pueblo residents through energy efficiency programs and renewable solutions such as solar gardens for customers enrolled in assistance programs.
