Escambia County got an energy efficiency boost this week – opening two new green buildings and receiving $42,000 in EarthCents rebates from Gulf Power Company.

On Wednesday, Sheriff David Morgan celebrated the grand opening of the W. E. Grimsley Building, Escambia County Sheriff’s Office South Headquarters. The Sheriff’s Office received a $10,000 rebate for its 20-ton geothermal heating and cooling system. And on Friday, the Wedgewood Community Center will be dedicated, receiving a $32,000 check from Gulf Power for the geothermal system and for lighting occupancy sensors and reflective roofing.

Besides the rebates, the geothermal systems will save Escambia County in energy costs for months to come. The facilities are estimated to save 40 percent on space conditioning — typically the largest energy consumer in buildings today.

The rebates – up to $500 per ton – are available for Gulf Power commercial and residential customers when they install a geothermal system at their home or business. Non-governmental customers also are eligible for a federal tax incentive.

“We work very hard to partner with our customers to find the right energy solutions for their homes and businesses,” said Natalie Smith with Gulf Power. “Helping customers buy energy efficiently is rewarding and in this case, the savings ultimately will benefit all Escambia County taxpayers.”

The Sheriff’s Office held a January groundbreaking for the new precinct, located at 30 North Navy Blvd. The 6,000 square-foot precinct also has lighting occupancy sensors that ensure lighting is off when areas of the building are not occupied. The building also has insulated concrete-form walls, which reduce infiltration into the conditioned space, and attic insulation foam to seal the attic.

Geothermal heating and cooling systems take advantage of the Earth’s relatively constant temperature — a renewable energy source — and save as much as 40 percent on energy costs.

“With geothermal heating and cooling, the customer not only saves on their bill, but also on maintenance — since there are no outside units,” Smith said. “Once they calculate the savings, they see it’s the smartest move for their investment.”

Log on to gulfpower.com for more information on EarthCents programs and energy efficiency advice and contacts.

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 eight counties throughout Northwest Florida. The company’s mission is to safely deliver affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible electric service to our customers while working to improve the communities we serve. Visit online at GulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”

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