#United States #Atlanta #Georgia Power #Energy Savings #EASE Program

Georgia Power's Guide to Energy Efficiency This Summer

As the sweltering summer heat approaches Georgia, Georgia Power stands ready to assist its customers in navigating energy use effectively. The increasing temperatures not only raise electricity bills but also strain the power grid, making it crucial for everyone to manage their energy consumption wisely. Here, we explore practical tips and tools offered by Georgia Power to help residents stay comfortable and save money during the warm months ahead.

Proactive Steps for Comfort and Efficiency

Georgia Power encourages residents to adopt simple yet effective practices to manage their energy usage. Here are a few tips:

• - Regular Maintenance: Change your air filters monthly to enhance airflow and reduce strain on your cooling system. Clear any vents to maintain proper air circulation.

• - Lighting Management: Switch off lights when not in use and consider closing curtains or blinds during peak sun hours to keep interiors cooler.

• - Seal the Gaps: Use caulk or weather-stripping to close any gaps around windows and doors, ensuring cool air doesn’t escape.

• - Laundry Efficiency: Wash full loads of laundry in cold water to save energy and always clean the dryer’s lint trap before each use for efficiency.

• - Energy-Efficient Lighting: Transition to ENERGY STAR® certified LED bulbs, which use up to 75% less energy than traditional incandescent options.

• - Smart Appliance Use: Schedule use of larger appliances during off-peak hours to minimize heat generation and reduce energy costs.

Advanced Tools and Resources

Besides these tips, Georgia Power provides various digital tools to empower customers in managing their electricity usage. The My Power Usage feature offers insights to track energy consumption hourly, daily, or monthly. Customers can also set Threshold Alerts to receive notifications when their usage approaches a self-defined limit, preventing bill surprises in busy months.

Furthermore, Georgia Power’s EASE Program offers eligible households free energy improvements, such as LED bulbs, heating and cooling system servicing, and attic insulation enhancements. These upgrades can lead to significant reductions in energy use and monthly bills, especially for families earning 200% or less of federal poverty guidelines.

More information on the EASE Program can be found at GeorgiaPower.com/EASE.

Assistance for Those in Need

Understanding that some customers may face challenges in paying their bills, Georgia Power dedicates efforts year-round to assist them. By visiting GeorgiaPower.com/Assistance, customers can easily locate local support for utilities, food, and shelter based on their ZIP codes.

Through initiatives like Project Share, Georgia Power matches customer contributions, helping to ensure support for those needing financial assistance.

Commitment to Affordable Energy

For over 140 years, Georgia Power has remained focused on delivering the necessary energy at the most competitive rates. In fact, since 1990, the company has sustained rates 15% below the national average while also providing flexible rate plans for both residential and commercial customers. Additionally, a recent stipulated agreement with the Public Interest Advocacy (PIA) staff of the Georgia Public Service Commission aims to further reduce costs for customers. If approved, a typical residential customer could save approximately $4.04 monthly starting next month.

The growing number of large-load customers within the state, including data centers and manufacturers, presents opportunities for enhanced cost distribution, benefitting residential and small business customers alike. This also positions Georgia Power to provide savings of about $102 per year for average residential customers starting in 2029.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), a leading energy firm in America, dedicated to providing safe, reliable, and affordable electricity. It serves over 2.7 million customers across Georgia and has been recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction, making strides in energy management and delivering diverse generation sources, including renewables.

For more insights and to explore energy efficiency tools, visit GeorgiaPower.com. Stay connected through their social media platforms including Facebook, X, and Instagram for additional energy-saving tips and updates.