OTTAWA — A competition to see which of four cities can save the most energy is a dead heat. Take Charge Challenge organizers said as of March 15, it’s too close to call in this year’s energy-savings contest involving Ottawa, Baldwin City, Paola and Gardner. Ottawa leads the entire state in switching regular light bulbs to the more energy-efficient CFL bulbs. Paola leads the four cities in the number of homes that have been retrofitted to improve energy efficiency. Baldwin City leads in getting the largest percentage of residents taking part in the competition. Gardner leads the four cities in having home energy audits. The winner will receive a $100,000 grant. Take Charge said this year’s competition among 16 Kansas cities has saved 10 billion BTUs of energy – a savings of more than $232,000 — in the first three months of this year. Energy savings and conservation is Kansans’ “first fuel,” said Jeff Risley, executive director of the Climate and Energy Project, founders and co-hosts of the Challenge. “It all starts with awareness,” he said. “Once people become aware of the savings they can get on their energy bills, plus the increased comfort in their homes, they take action.”
Tuesday, April 12, 7:30 a.m.
