Riverside to help residents, businesses cut energy costs

Riverside is offering several energy-saving programs that will help cut utility bills by hundreds of dollars per year.

The programs, approved by the city council, are available to residents and businesses and will be paid for through the state-mandated public benefits charge, according to a statement.

The Small Business Direct Installation Program is designed to help small business owners. Businesses will receive up to $2,000 worth of energy efficiency improvements, done at no cost by a vendor approved by the city.

Average savings could be as much as $300 per year, according to the statement.

Council members also approved the Multifamily Direct Installation Program, which is available to anyone who lives in an apartment or mobile home.

Customers may receive up to $1,000 in energy upgrades, including air conditioning tune-ups and LED lighting, at no cost. Those improvements could save up to $150 per year, according to the statement.

For information on these and other energy-saving programs visit www.RiversidePublicUtilties.com.