smartVIEW is a power awareness program that helps you save money and the environment by promoting energy conservation.

smartVIEW

Whether you own a home or you are running a business, you are always looking for cost-savings. What more can you do to save money? 

The EnergyRight ® program by Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is designed to help you manage your home or business as energy efficient as possible. The program has tools, including incentives, that can help you spend less on your power bills, leaving more money for the other important things. 

The EnergyRight Residential program is a partnership program between the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Cullman Electric Cooperative, and local contractors. From free advice and how-to videos to professional in-home energy audits to major home renovations, EnergyRight Residential provides homeowners with step by step assistance on ways to reduce energy consumption.

There are serval ways for members to utilize the EnergyRight Residential program once registered. Account registration does not commit you to participate in any part of the program.

1. Research ways to save: EnergyRight Residential has videos, tip sheets, and upgrade guides to learn more about what you could be doing in your home to save energy and money. Some improvements are no to low cost changes you can make today. 

2. Take the EnergyRight Residential Self Audit: Complete your online self-audit and learn where your home is losing energy. If you need ideas on how to make your home more comfortable, this free, self-guided evaluation will walk you through areas of your house where you could be losing energy and money. Receive a free energy-saving kit and $10 Home Depot gift card while supplies last.

3. Request an EnergyRight Residential Professional Energy Evaluation: An EnergyRight Residential energy advisor will visit your home to conduct a personalized assessment of your home’s energy use. You will receive a tailored list of recommended energy upgrades to make your home the best it can be. Some fees may apply.

4. Find TVA-Trained, Approved Contractors through the Quality Contractor Network (QCN):  With EnergyRight Residential, you have access to a network of professional contractors, known as the Quality Contractor Network, who have been trained and approved by Cullman Electric Cooperative and TVA. Each contractor is licensed and insured and completes training on our quality guidelines. In addition, their work through EnergyRight Residential is inspected by our professional energy advisors for free to ensure it’s done the right way.

Looking for a reputable, well-trained, local contractor for your home or business improvements?

Check out our Quality Contractor Network through TVA's Residential Services program. After registering, you'll have access to a network of professional contractors who have been trained and approved by Cullman Electric Cooperative and TVA. Each contractor is licensed and insured and completes training on our quality guidelines. In addition, their work through the Residential Services program is inspected by our professional energy advisors for free to ensure it’s done the right way.

Are you a local contractor wanting to participate in the Residential Services program? The first step is to register your business with the Residential Services program.

Financing for energy upgrades are available to our members through Vanderbilt Mortgage and Financing, Inc. and our Residential Services program. The application process is simple and all online with instant loan approvals.

What upgrades are eligible for financing?
Any energy efficient upgrade installed by a member of TVA’s Quality Contractor Network through the Residential Services program is eligible for financing. Some examples are:

• Attic Insulation
• Air Sealing
• Duct System (Existing HVAC Only)
• Heat Pump Water Heater
• Storm Windows added to single-paned windows
• Window Replacement
• Exterior Door Replacement
• Tune up for existing heat pump and AC
• Central AC Installation
• Heat Pump - ducted system, non-ducted system or w/ desuperheater
• Dual Fuel Pump
• Geothermal Heat Pump

What terms are offered on the Residential Services program loans?
Vanderbilt offers an up to 120 month (10 year) loan term with loan amounts up to $15,000.

Does it cost anything to apply?
No. The application process is completely free.

To learn more about financing options, visit EnergyRight.com or register for the TVA Residential Services program.

As a Touchstone Energy cooperative, Cullman Electric is a part of a network of other cooperatives with access to information and programs valuable to our members. On Touchstone Energy's website, you'll find all types of resources available to help you save energy and thus save you money on your power bill. Here are just a few of the tools:

Start Saving Energy Today

Saving energy is saving money and can be a fun activity to engage your friends and family. Tactics to save energy come in all shapes and sizes, including steps you can take today at no cost. Energy efficiency also increases the comfortability of your home, and makes larger projects worth the investment. In this section, you’ll find small steps and big ideas to help you save today.

Embracing The Future

Advancements in technology impact the energy industry, including how we generate, store and manage electricity usage. Technology has also placed more power in the hands of cooperative members like you, to better understand and manage your electricity needs. Your Touchstone Energy cooperative is working to integrate technology into your community, including understanding electric vehicles, battery storage, solar and more. This section shares more information about these technologies. 

Safely Powering Your Life Every Day

The electricity that powers our lives has become so commonplace that people sometimes forget the importance of using it safely. But no one makes electrical safety more of a priority than your local Touchstone Energy cooperative. They’re the experts who practice it and rely on it every day. Tap into their knowledge with these tools and tips to reduce preventable accidents and help keep every co-op member safe in and around their homes.

Electricity is a powerful resource and is the backbone of our daily lives. We rely on it and we never forget: safety is a top priority. The best way to prevent accidents is to review safety steps regularly. Learn more about our safety resources, take the safety quiz and review our safety checklist to help you use energy wisely and safely.

And, there is even more to explore at TouchstoneEnergy.com

Here are some simple no-cost and low-cost tips to reduce your energy usage.

• •  Caulk and weatherstrip around windows and doors to stop air leaks
• •  Seal gaps in floors and walls around pipes and electrical wiring
• •  Change air filters monthly
• •  Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps – they use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer
• •  Install aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads
• •  Fix any leaky faucets – one drop per second can add up to 165 gallons a month
• •  Tune-up your heating and cooling system annually to keep it running as efficiently as possible
• •  Have your ductwork inspected and repair any leaks
• •  Add insulation to your attic, crawl space, and any accessible exterior walls
• •  Wrap your water heater with insulation or install an insulating blanket
• •  Look for the energy star® label when replacing large or small appliances
• • Use power strips for home electronics and turn off power strips when equipment is not in use
• •  Replace worn-out seals on your refrigerator and freezer
• •  Perform a do-it-yourself home energy audit. Online and paper versions are available.
• •  Reduce hot water use by taking shorter showers and using cold water for the rinse cycle in your washer
• •  Turn off lights, televisions and other appliances when not in use
• •  Clean refrigerator coils regularly to keep the compressor running efficiently
• •  Set the refrigerator temperature at 36° to 39° F and freezer at 0° to 5° F
• •  Use the microwave when possible – it cooks faster and does not create as much heat as a stove burner
• •  Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heat drying option
• •  Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when full
• •  Match the size of your pot or pan to the size of the burner
• •  Make sure your dryer’s outside vent is clear and clean the lint filter after every load
• •  Keep all windows and doors located near your thermostat closed tightly
• •  Keep heat sources such as lamps and appliances away from your thermostat
• •  Consider replacing your older model refrigerator, especially if it’s over 10 years old, with an energy star® refrigerator
• •  Install foam gaskets behind electric-outlet and switch-plate covers
• •  Dry one load of clothes immediately after another to minimize heat loss
• •  Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator before cooking
• •  Use the oven light to check on progress when cooking or baking
• •  Keep your outside air unit clean and clear of debris or weeds
• •  Use low-watt bulbs where lighting is not critical
• •  Place floor lamps and hanging lamps in corners. The reflection off the walls will give you more light
• •  Turn off outdoor lighting during the day. Try timer switches or photoelectric controls if the finger method is a bother
• •  Keep your freezer full. The fuller the freezer, the less cold air you lose when opening the door
• •  Use the self-cleaning cycle of your oven right after you finish baking. That will give it a head start in heating up
• • Hang on to appliance manuals so you can refer to them for care information and possible energy-saving tips

Information provided by Tennessee Valley Authority.

Check out these great guides (printable PDFs) to improve your energy efficiency:

• Powerful Money Saving Ideas

Renewable Energy Options