TYLER, Texas — As high heat persists across East Texas, it's putting a strain on energy bills.
With a weather impact alert underway, temperatures can be deadly - without the right resources. That's why an East Texas nonprofit and UT Tyler students are stepping in to help.
In an effort to reduce electricity costs in underserved areas in East Texas, the nonprofit Monarca Initiative is providing education to those who most need it.
“They have shown me exactly what I need to do to save money," homeowner and mother of seven Sanjuana Ortiz said.
The nonprofit and the UT Tyler Engineering Department are doing their part to assist low-income families.
“Today, we’re conducting a home audit in this residence, and the idea is to give tips to the homeowners on how to reduce the energy bill,” said Lorena Rebagaliati, co-executive director and co-founder of Monarca Initiative. “We're trying to reduce the electric bill. So we determine what are the small, simple steps and not expensive steps to take to reduce that bill."
It's part of a project, Greener CASA, started by the nonprofit and students at the university. They wanted to help those struggling to pay for basic necessities.
“I’m so thankful to them because they are explaining the steps I need to take to (have) extra money in my life,” Ortiz said.
Ortiz is the primary caretaker for seven children and said this energy audit is exactly what she needed to help her cut down on costs.
“I've learned basic things like unplugging appliances when I am not using them, or changing the lightbulbs on the ceiling fan,” Ortiz said.
According to energy experts, the audit conducted on Ortiz's home could have cost anywhere from $200 to upwards to $1,000. Instead, she received the service for free thanks to this new partnership.
“I think getting involved in projects like this is the best way of connecting with people from a student perspective,” engineering student Diego Diaz said. “It's good to go out and do things that you're maybe not so comfortable doing.”
The group replaced lightbulbs with energy efficient ones, tested and sealed air leaks within the house and screened insulation levels throughout the house to see where cold air is escaping.
Aside from free audits the nonprofit hosts workshops that can help families better understand their bill calculations and learn ways to save money on future bills, which is something Ortiz said has been really helpful.
“With all I have learned today, I will be able to save enough money to eventually buy a central air unit for my family,” Ortiz said.