ATLANTA, Nov. 10, 2011 -- Georgia Power invites customers to take advantage of its EarthCents Refrigerator Recycling Program to save money and energy.  Customers simply contact Georgia Power to schedule a free pickup of their working secondary refrigerator or freezer – plus, customers will get $35.  To schedule a free, in-home pickup or to find out if you qualify, Georgia Power customers can call 1-866-446-9250 or visit georgiapower.com/refrigerator.

Fall is a great time to make efficiency improvements around the home because colder weather can increase a household's energy demand.  Getting rid of an old refrigerator or freezer is an easy way to get started.  Refrigerators manufactured before 1993 use 75 percent more energy than newer models and can cost owners as much as $150 a year in higher energy costs.

"Refrigerator and freezer efficiency has improved dramatically in the last 20 years, but many older, inefficient units are still in use.  Many times, the units are in unconditioned places like garages which can increase energy costs even more," says Angela Strickland, Georgia Power's director of energy efficiency. "This program encourages customers to remove these inefficient appliances. And, with our program, the old refrigerator or freezer is recycled in an environmentally safe manner."

The Refrigerator Recycling Program is a part of Georgia Power's EarthCents initiative. EarthCents is Georgia Power's portfolio of energy efficiency programs created to help residential and business customers save money, use energy efficiently and help the environment.  

"Energy efficiency is a priority for Georgia Power. We offer many ways to help our customers save money and manage their energy use with our EarthCents programs," says Strickland.

For additional information about EarthCents programs and to learn about available appliance rebates, lighting incentives and home energy improvement options, visit georgiapower.com/earthcents.

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company, one of the nation's largest generators of electricity.  The company is an investor-owned, tax-paying utility with rates well below the national average.  Georgia Power serves 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties.