ATLANTA, May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power has been named the overall national pledge leader by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in recognition of companywide efforts during the 2012 "Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR^®" campaign.

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The campaign, presented annually by the EPA, encourages consumers to take small steps, such as replacing incandescent bulbs with high efficiency, ENERGY STAR certified bulbs and using programmable thermostats, to save energy and help the environment.

This announcement marks the second consecutive year that Georgia Power has been named the overall national pledge leader and the seventh consecutive year that the company has ranked within the campaign's top five companies. The company first joined the pledge campaign in 2006 and, since then, has distributed more than 830,000 compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) in exchange for energy efficiency pledges from customers. Georgia Power accomplished this by hosting special events, more than 270 individual events in 2012 alone, at local business offices and throughout local communities.      

According to the EPA's ENERGY STAR website, Georgia Power's role in the 2012 campaign resulted in more than 312 million saved kilowatt-hours and energy cost savings of nearly $50 million.

"Helping our customers become more energy efficient remains a top priority for Georgia Power and participating in this national campaign every year is an exciting way to engage our customers across the state," said Michele Wagner, energy efficiency director for Georgia Power. "The campaign definitely helps our customers realize that small changes in their everyday lives can make a big difference for our energy future."   

Georgia Power has also integrated the Change the World pledge campaign into its well-known EarthCents® program - a portfolio of energy efficiency programs created to help customers save money, use energy efficiently and protect the environment. EarthCents programs include the Home Energy Improvement Program, Lighting and Appliance Program, Refrigerator Recycling Program, and the Commercial Energy Efficiency Program. For details on additional programs to save energy and money, 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 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