Georgia Power hosts "Change a Light, Change the World" pledge drive
Small changes around the house can equal big energy savings every month

ATLANTA, Oct. 9, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power kicked off its annual pledge drive this week in support of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) "Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR®" campaign. The campaign has been a core component of the company's energy efficiency education program since 2006 and asks customers to pledge to take small steps to save money and energy by making basic energy efficiency upgrades around their homes. Georgia Power is consistently ranked as a national leader in the program with 2014 marking the third consecutive year the company has been named the overall national pledge leader by the EPA.

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Replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified CFLs is one of the easiest ways to use energy more efficiently. In fact, certified CFLs use up to 75 percent less energy, last up to 10 times longer than standard light bulbs, and can save customers more than $30 in energy costs over the life of the bulb. Every year, Georgia Power highlights this simple upgrade by distributing CFLs to customers in exchange for energy efficiency pledges. Since 2006, the company has distributed more than 965,000 CFLs to customers across the state.

"We're dedicated to helping our customers receive the most value for their energy dollar, so it is no coincidence that we launch this program during national Customer Service Appreciation week each year," said Michele Wagner, director of energy efficiency for Georgia Power. "This pledge campaign has proven to be an excellent reminder that simple adjustments can have a tremendous impact on energy use, reduce customers' costs and provide long-term savings."  

Customers can take the pledge online at www.georgiapower.com, complete the pledge card included in October Georgia Power bills or visit a local Georgia Power office. Georgia Power is also encouraging customers to recycle old or broken CFLs at The Home Depot retail stores throughout the state. Through a continued partnership with the retailer, Georgia Power sponsors in-store recycling bins, creating the state's most widespread recycling program for CFLs and bringing convenient recycling within reach of most households. 

To learn more about energy efficient lighting, including CFL and LED lighting and special offers from Georgia Power, visit www.georgiapower.com/lighting.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation's largest generators of electricity.  Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind.  Consistently recognized as a leader in customer service, Georgia Power was recently ranked highest in overall business customer satisfaction among large utilities in the South by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

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SOURCE Georgia Power

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