|
Be prepared for higher electricity bills due to extremely cold weather
A 2.8 percent decrease on residential electricity bills will help offset higher bills caused by frigid weather in December and January. However, Gulf Power customers can further offset the costs by taking steps to save energy. Additional help is available for customers who may have difficulty paying their bills.
Gulf Power Company has several programs that help customers save money on their energy bills, make their homes more energy efficient or help them get direct assistance.
Gulf Power customer service representatives are available 24 hours/7 days per week to discuss payment and billing options with customers. To speak with a representative, customers can call 1-800-225-5797 or visit our website gulfpower.com for information about the programs or to make payment arrangements.
Some of the billing or payment programs include:
Florida Low-income energy assistance programsFlorida Division of Housing and Community DevelopmentThe Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP & WAP-LIHEAP) annually provides grant funds to community action agencies, local governments, Indian tribes and non-profit agencies to provide specific program services for low-income families of Florida. The assistance includes: repair or replace inefficient heating and cooling units, air-infiltration/weather stripping, caulking, thresholds, minor wall, ceiling and floor repairs, window and door replacement, attic insulation, repair or replace water heaters, install solar screens, apply solar reflective coating to manufactured homes, and attic ventilation. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides grants to local governments and non-profit agencies to assist eligible low-income households in meeting the costs of home heating and cooling. Assistance includes utility bill payment, crisis and emergency assistance (bill payment, utility deposits, fees for restoring power, fans, repair or replacement of heating or cooling equipment, blankets and other items as needed, other items specific to the emergency). These programs receive funding from the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services. The extent of services to be provided depends on available funding. The LIHEAP program also is funded each year by the federal Department of Energy. Local community assistance programs (listed below) accept applications and the Department of Community Affairs (Division of Housing and Community Development) sets guidelines for participation. BAY COUNTY Bay County Council on Aging, Incorporated Mailing Address: 1116 Frankford Avenue Panama City, Florida 32401 Executive Director: Ms. Elizabeth N. Coulliette E-MAIL: coull1074@aol.com LIHEAP Program Dir: Ms. Karen Koffman E-MAIL: bccoa@juno.com WAP Coordinator: Ms. Gail Allen Phone: (850) 769-3468 Counties Served: Bay - WAP, WAP-LIHEAP, LEHRP and LIHEAP FL Dept. of Community Affairs Consultant-CSBG/LIHEAP: Ms. Joe Anne Jones FL Dept. of Community Affairs Consultant-WAP: Ms. June Holley
CALHOUN COUNTY LIHEAP - See Leon County WAP/WAP-LIHEAP Calhoun County Board of County Commissioners Mailing Address: 20859 Central Avenue East, Room 309 Blountstown, Florida 32424 WAP Coordinator: Mr. Dan Clemons E-MAIL: wx.dclemons@yahoo.com Phone: (850) 674-2571 FAX: (850) 674-5553 Counties Served: Calhoun FL Dept. of Community Affairs Consultant-WAP: Ms. June Holley
ESCAMBIA COUNTY WAP-LIHEAP Community Action Program Committee, Inc. Mailing Address: Post Office Box 628 Pensacola, Florida 32591 Street Address: 1380 North Palafox Street Pensacola, Florida 32591 Executive Director: Ms. Brenda Trimble, Executive Director E-MAIL: trimbleb@capc-pensacola.org Program Director: Ms. Agnes Doering E-MAIL: agnes@capc-pensacola.org LIHEAP Coordinator: Ms. Sandra Johnson E-MAIL: sandra@capc-pensacola.org Finance Officer: Ms. Janet Saunders E-MAIL: janet@capc-pensacola.org Phone: (850) 438-4022 ext. 12 FAX: (850) 438-0121 WAP Coord: Ms. Connie Parker E-MAIL: connie@capc-pensacola.org Phone: (850) 438-4021 Counties Served: Escambia, Okaloosa and Santa Rosa WAP, WAP/LIHEAP Santa Rosa-CSBG and LIHEAP served by Tri County Comm. Action Agency FL Dept. of Community Affairs Consultant-CSBG/LIHEAP: Ms. Joe Anne Jones FL Dept. of Community Affairs Consultant-WAP: Ms. June Holley
HOLMES COUNTY LIHEAP - See Jackson County-Tri-County Community Council, Inc. WAP/WAP-LIHEAP Tri-County Community Council, Incorporated Mailing Address: 302 North Oklahoma Street Bonifay, Florida 32425 Executive Director: Mr. Joel Paul, Jr. joelpaul.tccc@mchsi.com Assistant Executive Director: Ms. Annette Stewart annette.tccc@mchsi.com WAP Coordinator: Ms. Carol Edwards wap@tricountycommunitycouncil.com Phone: (850) 547-3688 Toll Free Number: (800) 395-2696 FAX: (850) 547-9806 Counties Served: Holmes, Walton, and Washington - WAP/WAP-LIHEAP DCA Consultant-WAP: Ms. June Holley
JACKSON COUNTY LIHEAP Jackson County Senior Citizens Organization, Incorporated Street Address: 5400 Cliff Street Graceville, Florida 32440 Executive Director: Ms. Abbie Burdeshaw E-MAIL: jcsenior@wfeca.net Phone: (850) 263-4650 or 263-2774 FAX: (850) 263-4136 Counties Served: Jackson DCA Consultant-LIHEAP: Ms. Joe Anne Jones
WAP and WAP-LIHEAP Jackson County Board of County Commissioners Community Development Department Mailing Address: 2864 Madison Street Marianna, Florida 32448 Director: Pamela G. Pichard E-MAIL: ppichard@jacksoncountyfl.com Phone: (850) 482-9083 FAX: (850) 718-0518 County Administrator: Mr. Ted Lakey Administration Office 2864 Madison Street Marianna, Florida 32448 Phone: (850) 482-9633 WAP Coordinator: Pamela G. Pichard Phone: (850) 482-9083 E-MAIL: ppichard@jacksoncountyfl.com County Served: Jackson DCA Consultant-WAP: Mr. Bob Hunter
OKALOOSA COUNTY WAP/WAP-LIHEAP – See Escambia County LIHEAP - See Jackson County-Tri-County Community Council, Inc
SANTA ROSA COUNTY CSBG - See Jackson County-Tri County Community Council, Inc. LIHEAP WAP/WAP-LIHEAP - See Escambia County-Community Action Program Committee Inc
WALTON COUNTY LIHEAP - See Jackson County-Tri County Community Council, Inc WAP/WAP-LIHEAP - See Holmes County
WASHINGTON COUNTY LIHEAP - See Jackson County-Tri County Community Council, Inc WAP/WAP-LIHEAP - See Holmes County
Things you can do to make your home or business more energy efficient.
Temperature settings Heating a house makes up about half of your electricity bill so set your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower in the winter. Did you know that you can decrease the amount of energy you buy for heating by eight percent or more for every degree below 68 degrees you set your thermostat?
Programmable thermostats are a good investment, or you can take advantage of Gulf Power’s Energy Select. It’s a program that allows customers to pay different rates for electricity during the day according to a set schedule. For only $4.95 per month you can save energy 87 percent of the time with Energy Select. The program comes with a free programmable thermostat so the homeowner controls the heating and cooling system, water heating and even pool pump to take advantage of the low price periods. It also comes with free surge protection and a system called outage alert. Outage alert will automatically notify Gulf Power of a power outage at the home.
Heating and cooling equipment The home’s heating system is extremely important. If it’s an older, less efficient unit, upgrading to a geothermal heating and cooling system or a high efficiency air-source heat pump may be a wise choice. Contact Gulf Power at 1-877-655-4001 for a free Energy Check-Up. Let the Energy Experts show you how to save money today.
Routine maintenance A well-maintained heating system runs more efficiently. A complete tune-up of the home heating system can cost anywhere from $50 to $100 and more, but this is a very worthwhile investment and can reduce your heating bill from 3 to 10 percent. Some companies offer regular service contracts, which are a convenience if you tend to forget system maintenance. Remember to replace the filter every month.
Ductwork Duct leakage can account for 20 percent of the heating and cooling cost. Getting ducts sealed up should be at the top of the list for making your home energy efficient.
Insulation Adding insulation to your attic is one of the most cost-effective energy saving measures. Different types of insulation material have different R-values. The recommended level is R-38 in the attic.
Weather-stripping and caulking Weather-strip door jambs and caulk any cracks around windows to prevent cool air from entering your home.
Window units If you have a window air conditioning unit, remove it for the winter months to prevent heat from escaping through and around the unit. If it can't be moved, put a cover over it to prevent drafts.
Humidifier Use a humidifier to keep your home more comfortable. Adding moisture allows you to reduce the thermostat setting without feeling colder.
Other tips are available on the Energy Tips section at www.gulfpower.com, along with an extensive set of Frequently Asked Questions on energy use in the home.
Customers can get a free Energy Check-Up online or at your home with an appointment. Gulf Power energy experts will analyze your house and electricity use, and look for ways to make the house more energy efficient. Just go to www.gulfpower.com or call 1-877-655-4001. |