ATLANTA, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power's partnership with EarthCents home builders across the state is helping to breathe life into the new home construction industry in Georgia.

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Dozens of builders statewide are demonstrating leadership in the housing industry by providing quality, energy-efficient housing for Georgia homebuyers. 

Since August 2011, 31 builders have constructed more than 3,000 cutting-edge single- and multi-family EarthCents homes that offer superior energy performance. In addition, independent third-party verifiers have worked with the builders throughout the design and construction process to make sure the homes are more energy efficient than the current Georgia State Energy Code. 

"The construction of these new EarthCents homes is great news for Georgia Power customers and Georgia's economy," said Georgia Power President and CEO Paul Bowers. "Home building spurs the economy by creating jobs for Georgians, especially in one of the hardest hit sectors of Georgia's economy. I applaud these builders for building quality, energy-efficient homes that will not only help fuel economic growth in Georgia, but will also help homeowners save hundreds of dollars each year on their energy bills." 

The EarthCents program was created to help Georgia Power customers save money, use energy efficiently and help the environment. The program encourages customers to learn more about energy efficiency and provides them the tools to make efficiency improvements. 

EarthCents homes are substantially more energy efficient when compared to a standard home. They feature effective insulation, high-performance windows, tight construction and ducts, and more efficient heating and cooling equipment. These features allow the homeowners to save potentially up to $400 annually on their energy bills, adding up to thousands of dollars over the life of the home. Because of these features, EarthCents homes deliver better protection against cold, heat, draft, moisture, pollution and noise. 

Customers interested in purchasing an EarthCents home can visit Georgia Power's EarthCents website or call 1-800-524-2421 to speak with an energy expert in their area.

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 below the national average.  Georgia Power serves 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. 

www.georgiapower.com

SOURCE Georgia Power