NAIMA Expands Consumer Program to Curb Energy Bills in Columbus, Indianapolis, and Madison

INSULATION MANUFACTURERS EXPAND CAMPAIGN TO EDUCATE HOMEOWNERS

COLUMBUS, OH; INDIANAPOLIS, IN AND MADISON, WI – February 26, 2001 - With winter weather continuing to blast most of the country and home heating prices at an all-time high, consumers are actively searching for ways to reduce energy consumption and costs. In early February, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) launched a program providing homeowners in Sacramento, California; Atlanta, Georgia; and Albany, New York with an informational resource to help curb high heating costs. The program was so successful that NAIMA has now expanded it to include Columbus, Indianapolis and Madison. For the first time, homeowners have access to a one-stop resource that offers energy- and money-saving solutions.

An interactive web site, www.simplyinsulate.com, was created by NAIMA to provide consumers with information about money-saving measures they can employ to cut their high fuel costs. Homeowners can access the site to learn about upgrading their home insulation levels and obtain detailed information about energy efficiency programs in their states. The site also features energy-saving tips from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), information about programs offered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and frequently-asked questions about home insulation. A state-specific section of the site features links to energy conservation programs in Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, California, New York and Georgia as well as a printable sheet with energy tips and the DOE’s recommended levels of insulation for different parts of each state.

The program expansion includes aggressive advertising on area radio stations and in local newspapers in Columbus, Indianapolis and Madison. The advertisements will focus on the program’s message, "Raise Your IQ – Simply Insulate." The message is designed to inform homeowners that raising their IQ – their Insulation Quotient – is a smart and simple way to conserve energy and relieve the burden of high heating costs.

"Homeowners are serious about lowering their monthly heating bills in this time of skyrocketing fuel prices, and we want to offer resources that will help them do it themselves," said Ken Mentzer, President and CEO of NAIMA. "We want consumers to know that taking a small step like increasing the level of insulation in their home can lead to significant savings. Adding insulation to existing homes is easy, economical and effective," Mentzer said.