SARASOTA COUNTY – Learn how to cut your energy and water use at home and help others facing financial hardship do the same, by becoming a Sarasota County “Energy Coach” volunteer.

Registration is now open for this four-day course that starts March 26. Participants will receive 14 hours of hands-on training and informative presentations on home energy systems, energy- and water-saving techniques, efficiency strategies, device installs, and public outreach to support energy-burdened community members.

“Increased utility costs, part of an overall climb in the cost of living, are putting a financial constriction on our already vulnerable community members,” said Devin Beede, energy program specialist with Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension and Sustainability. “Energy Coaches assist and empower those carrying the heaviest energy burdens, focusing on underserved communities.”

Nearly half of Sarasota County households are cost-burdened, meaning residents pay more than 30 percent of their annual income on housing costs. Utility and water bills are a large contributor to this disparity – with some low- to median-income households in our region paying up to 19% of their annual income on energy costs. Due to poor infrastructure and outdated appliances, affordable housing units often have higher energy bills than other homes. These inequities in housing and utility costs have negative impacts on quality of life, economic development, and human health.

In 2023, the Energy Upgrade team reached roughly 2,200 Sarasota County residents, co-teaching 13 Energy Upgrade classes and sharing information at a range of community events. And their actions provided immense impacts, helping residents save roughly $48,000 in utility costs and nearly a million gallons of water.

To promote more accessible participation for all, the training will run outside typical work schedules and held 5:30-8:30 p.m., March 26 and 28 and April 02 and 06. Topics covered include energy- and water-conservation techniques, energy equity, local utility bill payment assistance, efficiency-related financial incentives, and the home as an energy system. Sessions feature lessons and field experience led by industry experts, access to energy evaluation equipment, and more.

Join the team of Energy Coaches to help conservation efforts and make your own unique impact on the Sarasota County community. Learn more and register at tiny.cc/ufsaraext_energycoach.

For more information and to register, visit the registration page or call 311 (or 941-861-5000, outside Sarasota County).

If you would like to participate in the training but would like to discuss it further or have concerns about cost, physical limitations, or the training times, please contact SustainableSarasota@scgov.net.

Note: Extension is seeking Spanish-speaking and bilingual volunteers to join the team, though this is not a requirement.