The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary halt to our appliance recycling program, but the program has set new records since resuming in mid-June.
The Online Energy Checkup program, which offers energy-saving kits on customers who complete an online survey about their energy use, has also seen vigorous numbers.
July was the biggest month ever for our Appliance Recycling program, with 601 pickups in Indiana and 194 in Michigan.
Our vendor has been following CDC guidelines, informing customers to leave the appliance outside their home, with no need for interaction. Recycling pickup crews wear face coverings when appropriate.
We placed appliance recycling on hold on March 25 due to the pandemic. Customers who called in after that date were placed on a waiting list.
Collections resumed on June 15, with July setting the new monthly record.
So far this year, we have picked up 2,735 refrigerators and freezers in Indiana – appliances that would use more than 2.4 million kWh of energy.
Appliance recycling has also picked up in Michigan. The 860 appliances recycled so far this year in Michigan accounts for more than 900,000 kWh saved.
People have also shown more interest in the Online Energy Checkups and the energy-saving kits they receive. Indeed, the 9,000-plus kits shipped in Indiana so far this year is nearly equal to the number shipped all of 2019 – and equals an energy savings of more than 2.5 million kWh.
Numbers have also increased in Michigan, were customers with gas heat became eligible in June. Michigan customers have received more than 2,300 kits equaling more than 1 million kWh energy savings.
“Many of our Energy Efficiency programs involved face-to-face contact, and when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March, some programs might have stopped in their tracks,” said Nick Elkins, Director of Customer Services & Business Development. “The entire EE team adapted to achieve with ideas including expanded rebates, new ways to distribute LEDs, new appliance pickup guidelines and more. This team deserves major kudos for their creativity and determination to help customers save energy.”