September 2009 • Published for Georgia Power employees and retirees

Articles

Plant Vogtle receives early site permit

Career comes full circle

The problem solvers

Georgia Power helps students learn about Ossabaw

Be ready to take on flu season

Building brothers stress energy efficiency

Georgia Power customers can, and do, get satisfaction

Communication, curriculum rank high at child care centers

DAC members get up-close view of Plant Bowen

Georgia Power People

In Memoriam

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Building brothers stress energy efficiency

Brothers Matt and Mark Ivey, Evans-based home builders and owners of Ivey Residential, believe in the benefits of building energy-efficient homes.

"It just makes sense," said Matt Ivey. "It is a good program for the consumer and for the environment. It offers the consumer a good payback for the cost."

Ivey Residential, a firm focused on building affordable homes in the Augusta area, has won two consecutive (2008 and 2009) ENERGY STAR^® Excellence in ENERGY STAR Promotion Awards.

Matt Ivey credits Georgia Power for getting the firm involved in building the energy-efficient homes.

"I learned about the benefits of building ENERGY STAR homes through a program Georgia Power was conducting to encourage builders to construct energy efficient homes via the ENERGY STAR program," said Ivey. "We thought it was a great program and began making the simple changes in our construction."

Georgia Power's ENERGY STAR home program launched in 2006. Since then, more than 3,200 ENERGY STAR-qualified new homes have been built in Georgia. The program promotes the construction of new homes that are more energy-efficient, more comfortable, and save homeowners money on their utility bills while helping to protect the environment.

In August, Georgia Power was honored with the ENERGY STAR for Homes – Leadership in Housing Award.

The award recognizes companies that take a leadership role and act as champions for ENERGY STAR qualified homes. It also acknowledges the positive effect Georgia Power's awareness campaigns have had in educating the public, home builders, real estate brokers and home raters in Georgia regarding the energy efficiency benefits that come with every ENERGY STAR-qualified home.

ENERGY STAR homes must meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency. These homes can include a variety of features such as climate-appropriate insulation in floors, walls and attics, and energy efficient windows that have advanced coatings and construction to help keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer. These features contribute to improved comfort, lower energy costs and benefits to the environment.

Homeowners who live in ENERGY STAR homes can expect to save $200 to $400 annually on their utilities.

"As consumers become aware of the benefits of buying green homes, the greater the interest," said Matt Ivey. "When they learn they can save 15 to 20 percent on their bill, their enthusiasm grows even more."

Kline Petty, East region sales manager, said Georgia Power hopes consumers and builders will continue to see the benefits of ENERGY STAR.

"We are committed to helping our customers become more energy efficient," said Petty. "This program is one way for us to help customers achieve that goal."