The LaGrange SOUL Program, which stands for Save On Utilities Long term, is a pilot program to help low- and moderate-income residents with higher-than-average utility bills by improving energy efficiency. While the City of LaGrange has low utility costs, some residents have much higher-than-average utility bills because their homes are older, less efficient, and use more energy. SOUL improves home energy efficiency and uses the resulting energy savings to reduce resident utility bills and pay for the cost of installations. Renters and homeowners are eligible.
Through SOUL, energy efficiency improvements pay for themselves through energy bill savings over time. The SOUL program provides the upfront payment for installation, and no payment is required by the recipient of the energy efficiency improvements. SOUL pays for additional home energy efficiency improvements — including attic insulation and new heating and air-conditioning equipment — through energy savings on your utility bill. That way, you can enjoy energy savings and a more comfortable and energy efficient home.
Steps to SOUL
Who is eligible for SOUL? SOUL was developed to improve energy efficiency and reduce utility bills for low- and moderate-income LaGrange residents with higher than average energy usage. Because SOUL pays for energy efficiency improvements with energy savings, it doesn’t work for homes that have average or better energy usage. If you’re not sure if SOUL is for you, check out our FAQ or call us at (706) 413-1642. We are here to support you!
Initial Assessment/In-Home Screening When you sign up for SOUL, the first step needed is to understand whether your home is ready to receive energy efficiency upgrades. When you reach out to us, a Community Building Associate will work with you to schedule an initial visit to your home. This Community Building Associate will visit your home to talk to you about the SOUL program and additional wrap-around services that may be available to you and your family.
Home Energy Assessment. After our Community Building Associate confirms that home is ready for energy efficiency upgrades, we will work with you to schedule an appointment with an expert energy assessor. The home energy assessment is free and will include a walk-through and technical measurements to develop an efficiency plan that’s just for you.
Basic Energy Efficiency Installation. While the expert energy assessor is at your home, they’ll install new LED light bulbs, insulation for your hot water heater, high- efficiency showerheads, and water faucet aerators to help you start saving on your utilities.
Customized Energy Easy Plan. Based on the results of your home energy assessment, you’ll receive a detailed, customized Energy Easy Plan that outlines all of the energy efficiency improvements that can be installed in your home to reduce your bills. If you choose to move forward with installation, the cost of the improvements will be paid for up front through SOUL and paid back over time through energy savings on your utility bill.
Installation. If you choose to move forward, local contractors will work with you to schedule a time for installation. The SOUL program team will follow-up after installation to make sure that everything has been completed correctly.
Savings, Efficiency, and Comfort. SOUL pays for the cost of installation through energy savings. You should experience energy savings during the first month after your new equipment is installed.
Sign Up! You can either sign-up online or you can call (706) 413-1642. Signing up is free, and it will take about five minutes to complete the sign-up form.
In the Community
The SOUL team enjoys answering your questions about SOUL and how this program is already benefiting the community. If you have questions, or would to talk with someone in the community before you sign up, email us!
or you can call (706) 413-1642.
Teara Harris
Teara is a community building associate with Groundswell. She is ready to assist you with any questions or concerns that you may have about the SOUL program.
Health and Safety during COVID-19
The City of LaGrange SOUL Program and the people who make it possible care about your health and safety. Our team is committed to following all COVID-19 guidelines and will wear masks, gloves, and other protective clothing while performing your home energy assessment and any installations. Additionally, all equipment will be sanitized both before and after use. We will also abide by social distancing measures during our work.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How was SOUL developed?
The SOUL pilot program is the product of more than 12 months of research, which included a detailed analysis of a full year of residential utility bills. The analysis included determining average residential energy use by month, how many residences use more energy than average, and what types of energy efficiency improvements would result in enough energy savings to reduce utility bills and pay for the cost of installations over time. The resulting program design focuses on serving residents with homes that use 20 percent or more energy than average and are located in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
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How is SOUL funded?
The SOUL program is supported by community development funds that are set aside to specifically benefit low- and moderate-income residents.
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How do I know if I’m eligible for SOUL?
SOUL is designed for low- and moderate-income residents whose energy usage is 20 percent or more above the average home in LaGrange. The SOUL team will be reaching out to individual residents who qualify, but you don’t have to wait to hear from us. Just give us a call at (706) 413-1642 and we can let you know and, if you’re eligible, help you sign up!
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I rent my home. Can I still sign up for SOUL?
Yes, SOUL works for people who rent their homes, too.
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How do I sign up for SOUL?
You can sign up online or you can call (706) 413-1642.
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How long does the home energy assessment take?
Home energy assessments take about two hours and include a walk-through and several technical measurements including a “blower door test” that measures the air leaks in your home, as well as a “duct blaster” test that checks for air leaks in your home’s ductwork. You’ll learn a lot about your home through the process!
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I’m not ready to sign up yet, but I’d like to ask a few more questions.
Groundswell Community Building Associate Teara Harris is ready to walk you through the sign up and installation process for the LaGrange SOUL program. Call (706) 413-1642 and the SOUL customer support team can put you in touch, or email her at teara.harris@groundswell.org.
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What if I install energy improvements through SOUL and my bill goes up?
First, bills going up instead of down following energy efficiency improvements are very rare. In hundreds of similar energy improvements in rural Arkansas and rural North Carolina, that’s only happened three times: Once, it was because a family installed a tanning bed. Once, it was because a family installed a different thermostat and wired it incorrectly, and, once, it was because something went wrong with the air-conditioner. (It was fixed under warranty.) In the very rare case in which the energy improvements installed through SOUL don’t result in savings, the SOUL program will assign a technical expert to figure out exactly what’s going on and get it fixed.
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What should I do if I know someone else in LaGrange who may benefit from SOUL?
Please connect them with our team. You can refer your friend or family member through (706) 413-1642 or introduce them to Groundswell Community Building Associate Teara Harris.
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How does SOUL pay for expensive energy improvements — like a new air conditioning unit — through energy savings?
SOUL pays for the installation of energy improvements through energy savings over time through your utility bill. Your home energy assessment will identify all the improvements that will save more energy and money over time that they cost to install. The resulting savings reduce your utility bill and help pay back the cost of the installation over time. The Energy Easy Plan you’ll get following your Home Energy Assessment will include all the details, customized to your home, and the SOUL team and Community Energy Ambassadors will be there for you to talk through any questions you have before you decide if you want to move forward.
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Have any other communities launched programs like SOUL?
They sure have! Roanoke Electric Cooperative in Aulander, NC, was one of the first. Their program is called Upgrade to $ave. Here’s an interview with one of their local member customers who enrolled in the program.
Press
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City looks at program to reduce utility bills
The LaGrange Daily News
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City to dig deeper into utility savings program
The LaGrange Daily News
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Program to lower utility bills considered
The LaGrange Daily News
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West Point considers SOUL partnership
The LaGrange Daily News
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Hogansville partners with Groundswell to launch SOUL Program in area
The LaGrange Daily News
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Hogansville strives to find more solutions for energy efficiency
WRBL
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City of LaGrange Partners with Groundswell and EEtility to Launch SOUL Pilot Program
The LaGrange Daily News
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LaGrange SOUL is a program of the City of LaGrange Utilities
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SOUL is operated by EEtility, an experienced energy efficiency leader serving small towns and rural communities.
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Local nonprofit Groundswell supports SOUL by sharing information and support working with the community. Groundswell has also worked with the LaGrange Housing Authority to install a solar SmartFlower, and the supporting several more upcoming community energy projects.
