ATLANTA, Dec. 12, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As homes and businesses across the state light up with the colors of the season this holiday, Georgia Power reminds customers to keep safety top of mind when powering decorations with electricity. By observing the following simple tips, customers can help ensure that their festive illuminations will remain vibrantly lit, and safe, throughout the season.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20050216/CLW066LOGO)

• Watch for lines and poles. Be sure to install decorations away from power poles, lines and the building's primary power drop.
• Don't overload. Don't overload wall outlets or extension cords. Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.
• Take extra care outdoors. Only use lights and extension cords designed for outdoor use and keep electric connections above ground and out of areas where water may collect.     
• Check for damaged wires. Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.
• Use UL decorations. Use only lights and decorations which carry Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approval.  

Whether indoors or out, holiday decorations can use a tremendous amount of energy. To save money and energy this season, customers may consider purchasing ENERGY STAR® Certified LED lights and other new technologies. Increasingly popular and widely available, LED decorations are much longer lasting and far less expensive to operate than traditional incandescent bulb decorations. Other energy efficient decoration options include pre-lit fiber optic Christmas trees and using timers to ensure lights are on only when someone is home to enjoy them. 

Georgia Power is always working to help customers save money and use energy more efficiently. For more information about the company's energy efficiency programs, visit www.georgiapower.com.

About Georgia Power
Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of the nation's largest generators of electricity.  Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.4 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, 21st century coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind.  Consistently recognized as a leader in customer service, Georgia Power was recently ranked highest in overall business customer satisfaction among large utilities in the South by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower) and Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower).

SOURCE Georgia Power