FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CHALLENGE? SO WHO'S CHALLENGING WHOM?
A grassroots citizens’ group, the Neighborhood Energy Challenge is challenging you to save energy – and save money doing it. And we hope that you will challenge yourself, your household, and your neighbors to do the same.
SO, WHAT'S IN THIS FOR ME?
How about saving money on your energy bills, reducing greenhouse gases, and helping against global warming for a start? And there’s a whole lot more in it for your children and grandchildren if we all do something now to slow the dangers, disruptions and economic costs they face with climate change.
WHY NEWPORT, MIDDLETOWN, PORTSMOUTH, AND JAMESTOWN?
As residents of towns that are located right on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, with our economy a few feet above sea level, we are particularly vulnerable to the sea-level rise and intensified storms predicted from a few degrees shift in temperature. Close your eyes and imagine Thames Street, First Beach, and major residential sections of Portsmouth flooded and eroded, and you will see what we are fighting against. If we don’t lead, who will? But climate change has global causes and consequences so please join in from anywhere you are located.
I HAVE A BUSINESS. CAN WE PARTICIPATE?
Definitely! Take a look at the many energy-saving actions on our list. Most of them will save you money in your business as well as at home. Just check the “I’m a business” box when you sign up and you’ll receive some business-specific tips and opportunities.
IS THIS INFORMATION I SUBMIT CONFIDENTIAL?
Yes. The Challenge will not share your household or points information with others in an identifiable way without your permission. We may aggregate your information – for instance by town, by team, or by actions chosen – and make those total or average numbers available to the public.
WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO RECRUIT MY NEIGHBORS?
It’s our human nature to change habits to match what others are doing. So educate and tell your neighbors what you are doing and encourage them to sign up and take the Challenge as well. Feel free to CONTACT US and we’ll help you host a little party to talk about household and community energy solutions.
MY PARENTS AREN'T INTO SAVING ENERGY. WHAT CAN I DO?
Talk to a teacher about organizing a home-energy-conservation program for families. (After all, it’s usually the kids who teach the grown-ups, right?) Then CONTACT US at the Neighborhood Energy Challenge. We can give you ideas for your school program, help design it, and help you to find potential sponsors.
I'M CONSERVING ENERGY IN OTHER WAYS. CAN I GET POINTS FOR THAT?
At the moment, only the actions listed in your Tracker earn points in this challenge. Over the coming months, however, we may add more. FEEL FREE TO SEND US YOUR SUGGESTIONS!.
SEEMS AWFULLY COMPLICATED!
Yes, our use of energy today is both complex and enveloping. To make big cutbacks will take thought and discipline – at least until we make it a habit. If you have questions about anything, CONTACT US and we’ll try to help. You may even be able to suggest ways we can streamline things.
I KNOW PEOPLE WHO WOULD LIKE TO PARTICIPATE BUT DON'T USE A COMPUTER. CAN I SIGN THEM UP AND ENTER THEIR DATA FOR THEM?
Absolutely! You can be their representative to the on-line Challenge. For those who don’t have someone to enter their data for them, we can supply paper versions of the online form and the newsletters. Just phone us at 401-848-9223 to request them.
CAN I HELP WITH THE CHALLENGE?
Bingo! Here’s a Question we’d like more Frequently Asked. There are plenty of jobs, big and small, to help operate and expand the Challenge - initiatives in the community, the schools, behind the scenes. Please EMAIL US, and we’ll be in touch.
I'M NOT FULLY CONVINCED ABOUT THIS GLOBAL WARMING STUFF.
You are entitled to your opinion. But there are lots of other reasons to stop wasting energy. Like saving money on your energy bills, cutting the pollution that makes our state one of the worst for asthmatics, and reducing our dependence on imported oil.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A SPONSOR?
Most sponsors have donated funding or professional time because they want to help with a good cause. Some may also want to associate their business and its products or services with energy conservation and the fight against climate change. You’ll receive recognition on our website, through our newsletters, and on any collateral that we print.
HOW DO I BECOME A SPONSOR?
Get in touch with us by EMAIL. There are lots of ways you can help.