October is Energy Awareness Month and Gulf Power Company is celebrating by partnering with the Community Action Program to sponsor a Weatherization Day event in Santa Rosa County.

About 36 volunteers will visit the home of a Santa Rosa resident to make energy efficient upgrades and help her save energy and money. The upgrades include installing a new heat pump water heater, upgrading the heating and cooling system, installing window replacements and weather stripping and other general weatherization installations.

Upgrades to the resident’s home are being paid for through the Community Action Program as well as sponsorships. Sponsorships and volunteers for the event will come from Gulf Power, Chelco Electric, Clear Creek Construction LLC, Curly Construction of NW Florida Inc., Parker Custom Built Homes Inc., S.L. Watkins Enterprises Inc., Patterson Quality Construction and Design Home Builders, Inc.

“There is such a high need for this type of program in our area,” said Natalie Smith, Gulf Power spokesperson. “We’re happy to be part of this effort to not only help this one resident save energy and money, but to help build awareness about how our customers can save money.”

Community Action Program coordinates Weatherization Day every year to recognize and celebrate the annual weatherization grant that is received by CAP to help low-income families. The grant amount this year is about $1.2 million and must be spent before Feb. 18, 2014.

“This year’s grant is expected to serve 150 dwellings in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties,” said Connie Parker, Housing/Safety director for CAP. “The reason for weatherization is to reduce energy consumption and those who qualify for this program essentially receive a free energy makeover.”

The weatherization program is an income-based qualification program. Residents in Escambia, Santa Rosa and Okaloosa counties can call CAP to learn if they qualify at 850-679-4817. Site built, modular and mobile homes are eligible for the program. Escambia County residents are currently on a waiting list.

“We’ve already served 31 families during this cycle and another 30 homes are in the process of being worked on,” said Parker.

For Gulf Power customers who don’t qualify for the CAP program, they can get a free Gulf Power Energy Checkup online or at their home with an appointment. Gulf Power energy experts will analyze the customer's home and electricity use, and look for ways to make their home more energy efficient. Just go to MyGulfPower.com or call 1-877-655-4001.

For even more ways to save money and energy, learn about Gulf Power’s EarthCents programs at MyGulfPower.com or call 1-877-655-4001.

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 provide exceptional customer value by delivering reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible electricity while strengthening our communities. Visit online at MyGulfPower.com or on the company’s Facebook page, “Gulf Power Company.”

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