Ace co-hosting energy workshops in Colorado

Ace Hardware stores across Colorado have teamed with Xcel Energy and Lightly Treading Energy & Design to host a series of free informational workshops to help consumers save money on energy bills this winter, according to an article in the Delta County Independent, a western Colorado newspaper.

With Colorado residents facing a 12 percent increase in natural gas costs this winter, the workshops will educate consumers about how to conserve energy and lower utility bills. They will provide tips on everything from energy-efficient appliances and lighting to DIY energy efficiency projects such as installing and setting programmable thermostats, changing furnace filters and sealing leaks around doors and windows.

The workshops are free to consumers and will help homeowners cut annual energy consumption by as much as 50 percent this winter, according to Paul Kriescher, principle of Lightly Treading Energy & Design.

In addition to the workshop series, Ace Hardware and Lightly Treading are giving away thermal energy audits and energy makeovers to four Colorado homeowners.

“As local hardware store owners, we want to do what we can to help alleviate rising energy costs for our customers,” said Bill Moore, chairman of the board of directors for Rocky Mountain Ace Stores. “We’re known for providing one-stop-shopping for information and products, and our stores are the perfect location for community events like these.”