Gulf Power Customers have new ways to save money, thanks to a number of new energy efficiency programs the utility will offer.

The Florida Public Service Commission has approved 25 new EarthCents programs for customers.  The new programs are predicted to save 183 megawatts of electricity over 10 years, enough energy to power about 50,000 homes. Most of the EarthCents programs are not yet available, but will be rolled out throughout 2011. Many details, including rebate amounts on most of the programs, are still pending approval.

“We’re very pleased that our customers have even more ways to save money and energy through these programs” said Jeff Rogers with Gulf Power. “There’s really something here for everyone — with rebates that make energy efficiency more affordable.”

“We have worked hard with the PSC to make sure these are real-world, practical programs that help our customers.” said Rogers. “Ultimately, we want very satisfied customers — and offering more options on how to use electricity more efficiently is a big part of reaching that goal.”

Many of the new programs offer rebates, but the amount of the rebates has not yet been set by the PSC. Those rebates would be for installing:

• High-efficiency heating and cooling systems
• Pool pumps
• Windows
• Roofs
• Insulation
• Appliances
• Heat pump water heaters.

Other programs include free energy use comparisons for homeowners and tips and recommendations on how to use electricity more efficiently.  The utility expects interest to be especially high in the program that offers a rebate for heat pump water heaters.

“Heat pump water heaters are more than 50 percent more efficient than a standard electric water heater,” Rogers said. “They cost more up front, but with this new program, soon we’ll be able to offer a substantial rebate to reduce the cost, and the customer will save in the long run.”

Additionally, there is a part of the plan geared to help low-income customers through the installation of energy savings measures and recommendations for low-cost ways to save energy. Programs will be offered to homeowners and renters.

For commercial and industrial customers, incentives will be provided to increase building efficiency through heating and cooling systems, lighting, window and insulation improvements. Also, customized energy solutions can be developed to suit the specific needs of the business or industry.

Gulf Power is also offering incentives for solar energy including solar thermal water heating ($1,000 rebate) and solar photovoltaic systems ($2 per watt up to a maximum of $10,000 per installation). The incentives for these two programs are limited and will be made available through a reservation process.

As all of the new EarthCents programs are rolled out, customers can find out more information at www.gulfpower.com.

Gulf Power Company is an investor-owned electric utility with all of its common stock owned by Atlanta-based Southern Company. Gulf Power serves more than 430,000 customers in 10 counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely deliver affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible energy to very satisfied customers in strong communities.