Asheville Housing Authority Receives Award

(L-R): Kevin Brock, Outreach Account Manager, Duke Energy; Paula Clark, Account Executive, Duke Energy; Gene Bell, CEO, Asheville Housing Authority; and Samantha Bowers, Project Manager, Asheville Housing Authority.
(L-R): Kevin Brock, Outreach Account Manager, Duke Energy; Paula Clark, Account Executive, Duke Energy; Gene Bell, CEO, Asheville Housing Authority; and Samantha Bowers, Project Manager, Asheville Housing Authority.

The Housing Authority of the City of Asheville (HACA) recently earned an award rebate of $42,144 from Duke Energy’s Efficiency Rebate Program for renovations of the Arthur R. Eddington Education and Career Center (formerly the W.C. Reid Center).

The check was presented by Duke account executive Paula Clark. “By providing cash incentives to help lower costs of high-efficiency lighting, HVAC pumps and other equipment, our customers are investing in upgrades that will boost their bottom lines for years to come,” she said.

HACA purchased the W.C. Reid Center building from the City of Asheville in 2012, and began renovations to make the building energy-efficient enough to earn a LEED Certification. The continuing renovation project is being overseen by HACA Project Manager Samantha Bowers.

Asheville Housing and its community partners envision the Eddington Center as a place where people from Asheville Housing communities and surrounding neighborhoods will have access to education, job training, support services and other resources, strengthening residents’ self-sufficiency and empowerment.

HACA CEO Gene Bell said the LEED Certification “would make the center sustainable over a long period of time,” and commended Bowers for a job well done. On behalf of the Housing Authority he expressed appreciation for the contribution to the project from Duke Energy.

To earn a rebate, customers of Duke Energy must submit an application. Duke then assesses any claimed savings in energy, and may offer a rebate based on kilowatt usage.