Free Conservation Program Approved

“Lite Bill,” a free, yearlong program to reduce energy and water use in Pasadena’s 37,000 households will be undertaken by DMC Services Inc. of Los Angeles.

The company was awarded a contract with the city last week by the Board of Directors, despite objections from Directors Chris Holden and Rick Cole. The two questioned why a minority-owned firm, Foothill Area Community Services, was not selected.

After discussion, the board agreed that FACS could participate as a DMC subcontractor if more than the anticipated 20% of the city’s residential households respond and the program is extended.

Under the Lite Bill program, door-to-door canvassers will be assigned to all residential dwellings of four units or less to analyze home-energy use and distribute energy-saving devices such as low-flow shower heads and water-heater insulation blankets.

The program is expected to save customers $3.5 million over the next five years. It will cost $952,000, including $373,000 provided by the Metropolitan Water District.