Albany Selected as Site for Consumer Campaign to Curb High Heating Bills

Insulation Manufacturers Team Up with Utilities and Nyserda to Educate Homeowners

ALBANY, NY – February 5, 2001 - With winter weather blasting most of the country, and home heating prices at an all-time high, a campaign to help consumers learn how to cut their fuel costs is being launched in Albany. The program, created by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) to provide consumers with information about money-saving measures, begins today and continues through February.

The centerpiece of the program is an interactive, informational web site (www.simplyinsulate.com) where consumers can learn about upgrading their home insulation, obtain detailed information about the State of New York’s Energy $mart Program, and utilize energy efficiency programs provided by program partners NYSERDA and Niagara Mohawk Power Corporation. The site also features links to resources provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.

Radio advertising and promotional spots will air in Albany to promote the web site and the program’s message, "Raise Your IQ – Simply Insulate." The message is designed to inform homeowners that raising their IQ – their Insulation Quotient – is a smart and simple way to conserve energy and relieve the burden of high heating costs.

"Homeowners are actively searching for ways to lower their monthly heating bills in this time of skyrocketing fuel prices," said Ken Mentzer, President of NAIMA. "We want them to know that taking a small step like increasing the level of insulation in their home can lead to significant savings. Adding insulation to existing homes is easy, economical and effective," Mentzer said.

Albany is one of two cities in the United States to have access to the educational tools provided by the program’s web site. A similar initiative is currently underway in Sacramento, California. Following the launch of the program in Albany and Sacramento, NAIMA expects to expand the campaign’s reach to include other cities around the country. Although program components are currently tailored to address issues specific to the winter season, the campaign’s overall message is seasonless and applies to every region in the United States.