Re-Power Bainbridge

Bainbridge Island, a community located 35 minutes by ferry from Seattle, had an energy problem.  Due to the age of the homes on the island, the average homeowner used 60 percent more electricity than other Puget Sound Energy customers.  A community-wide energy efficiency program was launched with the goal of completing energy check-ups in 50 percent of Island homes and install upgrades in 25 percent of homes.

The launch used the power of fun to engage residents in the campaign. Kids were enlisted to paint storefront windows with symbols of energy efficiency, a CFL giveaway was held onboard Washington State Ferries, and an “Electric Avenue” project was implemented where two neighborhoods monitored their daily energy use and recorded the results on a street mural.  An ad campaign featured Bainbridge Island energy champions encouraging their neighbors to get a home energy check-up. 

In just three months of the launch, 1,000 households signed-up for home energy check-ups (more than 12% of all households on Bainbridge) and 600 check-ups were completed.