Philadelphia’s energy burden (the percent of income spent on utility bills) is 86% higher than the national average, disproportionately impacting BIPOC and low-income Philadelphians. Thankfully, the city has many resources to face this challenge, including the resilient network of 16 Neighborhood Energy Centers (NECs) each of which serves as a one-stop-shop for assistance with low-income utility bill programs, weatherization, heating system repair and replacement, home repair, budget counseling, and home energy education. The NECs are managed by the Energy Coordinating Agency (ECA), a nonprofit organization that coordinates low-income energy services, and administers high quality energy conservation, education, heating, and home repair services to reduce households’ energy costs and stabilize families in their communities.
The NECs are trusted and majority grassroots organizations that play a vital role in ensuring all Philadelphians, especially those in marginalized communities disproportionately impacted by poverty and climate change, have access to energy services. However, the NECs are in need of more comprehensive outreach and engagement to reach all the residents in need in their communities.
To support the NECs in serving their communities, the Energy Coordinating Agency in partnership with the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Sustainability, launched the Neighborhood Energy Center Outreach Campaign, a one-year initiative that aims to build the capacity of the NECs in order to strengthen their ability to do more effective outreach and engagement.
The outreach campaign is designed to uplift the NECs by providing training and materials for both effective outreach about NEC services and events, and information about important home energy upkeep such as energy conservation, electrification, and rooftop solar that the NECs can share with their constituents. This work will be led by ECA’s Outreach Specialist, Daniel Farmer, who was hired as part of the project. In addition to development and training, Daniel will work with the NECs and project partners to hold three regional Energy Fairs for the public this Spring, which will highlight the services provided by the NECs, provide residents with information about energy programs and services and make space for residents to enroll while attending the fair. These events will feature music, food, and activities for everyone, including kids!
This project is funded by the Operations Transformation Fund, a program that funds projects providing efficient and equitable services to Philadelphia residents. Learn more about the Operations Transformation Fund here. Visit the Envisio dashboard to view the status of the NEC Outreach Campaign and other projects through the Operations Transformation Fund.
