Groundswell’s SOUL® (Save On Utilities Long-Term) Program delivers energy efficiency upgrades and essential home repairs—where enabling repairs are a critical part of the upgrade process—to make homes safer, more affordable, and more resilient. Since 2020, SOUL® has focused on meeting households where they are, grounded in a simple truth: people pay bills, not rates. Even as energy costs rise, lowering household bills starts with improving the home itself. For many families, high energy costs are rooted in the housing crisis—more than half of enrolled homes require repairs before efficiency improvements can be realized, and many need major structural work. SOUL® weaves together public, private, and philanthropic funding to meet real needs at the kitchen table, reducing the complexity that often blocks access to support. The result is meaningful, long-term impact—especially in rural and small-town communities where low- and moderate-income households can spend up to 20% of their income on energy.

About the Investment
Our funding partner Google is making long-term investments in local energy affordability and environmental stewardship to create lasting benefits for LaGrange residents. This new funding stream will allow Groundswell’s SOUL® (Save On Utilities Long-Term) Program to expand.

“Google’s $1 million contribution will support critical home repairs and energy efficiency upgrades for at least 50 LaGrange families, providing long-term energy bill relief and preserving home ownership,” said Michelle Moore, Groundswell CEO. “We appreciate Google’s commitment to being a good neighbor, and we’re honored to work alongside them to build a more affordable energy future for LaGrange.

Google is investing $1 million to support home energy efficiency upgrades and essential repairs for at least 50 low- and moderate-income homeowners in LaGrange. This investment will be leveraged with an estimated $700,000 in GEFA energy efficiency rebates, bringing the total investment to $1.7 million to advance affordable, energy-efficient housing in LaGrange.

FAQ

Who gets selected and why?  
Groundswell’s SOUL® (Save On Utilities Long-Term) program utilizes a standardized application and review process to assess eligibility and prioritize participation based on established program criteria. Applications are reviewed using a consistent, rules-based methodology designed to help identify households with the greatest demonstrated need, while also considering program capacity and available funding.

Why the city of LaGrange and not the county? 
The current Groundswell SOUL® (Save On Utilities Long-Term) LaGrange program footprint is based on the scope, funding structure, and geographic parameters established for this phase of the initiative. At this time, the program is focused on eligible households located within the City of LaGrange. This geographic focus aligns with the priorities established by the program’s funding partner, Google, which specifically directed this investment to support residents within the city of LaGrange.  As Groundswell continues to expand its programs, partnerships, and funding opportunities, additional communities and service areas may be considered in future phases of the initiative. 

Why is my income being considered? 
Income information is collected as part of the program’s eligibility and review process. Groundswell’s SOUL® (Save On Utilities Long-Term) is designed to support households facing energy affordability challenges, and income data helps ensure the program aligns with funding requirements and reaches households the initiative is intended to serve. 

Why do other cities where Groundswell operates similar programs receive higher levels of funding?
Groundswell is committed to equity across every community we serve. While program funding may vary by location, our dedication to maximizing impact — and expanding our capacity to do more — does not. We will continue working to secure the resources needed to serve as many households as possible. 

Will there be additional funding in LaGrange?
Groundswell remains committed to serving the LaGrange community and has been implementing the SOUL® LaGrange program locally for more than five years. While we certainly hope to secure additional funding opportunities in the future, no additional funding has been confirmed at this time. As future resources become available, Groundswell will continue evaluating opportunities to expand and sustain support for eligible households in the community.

Will Groundswell take away my home?  
No. Participation in the SOUL® LaGrange program does not give Groundswell ownership of your home, property, or land. The program is designed to support eligible residents through energy-related home improvements and housing resilience investments — not to transfer ownership or property rights. Participating homeowners remain the owners of their homes and properties at all times. Any approved work completed through the program is communicated in advance, and residents are informed throughout the process before any agreements or improvements move forward.