On October 15, UNH Cooperative Extension rolled out its Energy Answers program, expanding the capacity of our toll-free Info Line in Manchester by staffing the existing lines with volunteers trained to answer energy-related questions or refer callers to experts and other outside resources who can.

Highlighting the roll out on the 15th was a presentation made to the UNH Cooperative Extension State Advisory Council about the new project. All you have to do is call 1-877-398-4769 (1-877-EXT-GROW) for answers to your energy-related questions, or email us. The line is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

UNH Cooperative Extension Education Center administrator Alice Mullen says, "We'll target our information for individuals and households. Our research has told us New Hampshire residents are out there looking for information about tightening up their homes, buying more energy-efficient appliances, investigating renewable energy sources, and taking advantage of government financial incentives for making energy improvements."

"We'll stress the primary importance of energy conservation and energy efficiency," says Mary Tebo Davis, the Extension educator who coordinates the Energy Answers program. "For example, we'll offer tips about things they can do that cost little or nothing to reduce their electric and home-heating bills. We can help them avoid expensive marketplace scams. We can help them understand the lingo surrounding energy products and services.

"For people ready to move on to more extensive energy-conserving or renewable-energy projects, we can help them decide when and why it makes sense to hire energy professionals and how to find experienced, competent service providers," Tebo Davis says. "We can help them understand the ways reducing their energy use helps the environment."