ATLANTA, Feb. 4, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power announced today that it has awarded $2.5 million in rebates to K-12 schools across the state for making energy-efficient improvements as part of the company's Commercial Energy Efficiency program. The program, which began in 2011, encourages customers to make energy-efficient improvements, including upgrading interior lighting, installing high-efficiency heating and cooling systems and installing high-efficiency cooking equipment.  Nearly 400 schools have taken advantage of the program since its start and, combined, have reduced their energy use by more than 52 million kilowatt-hours. 

The majority of energy-efficient improvements include the installation of energy efficient lighting equipment. However, many schools have realized additional energy savings through the installation of more efficient heating and cooling equipment, food service equipment, and highly reflective roofing.

"We are dedicated to helping customers make smart energy choices and identify ways to save money and lower their overall energy costs," said Michele Wagner, director of energy efficiency for Georgia Power. "School districts are some of the largest users of electricity, so the result of a focused effort on energy efficiency improvements can be tremendous savings for the district."

Bibb County Schools in Macon has received the largest rebate of the program to date, $271,000, for making qualified upgrades at 35 of its schools, reducing its energy use by more than 4.1 million kilowatt-hours. Most recently, Georgia Power awarded Harris County Schools more than $86,000 for upgrading more than 7,000 lighting fixtures to high efficiency lighting at six of the district's eight schools and installing heat pumps at two locations. The upgrades will reduce Harris County schools' energy use by more than 1.4 million kilowatt-hours.

Georgia Power's Commercial Energy Efficiency program includes educational resources, rebates and incentives available to all commercial customers such as school systems, universities, hospitals, museums and many more. For additional information about the program, visit www.georgiapower.com/commercialsavings.

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