City and FPL Give Free Home Energy Makeovers

Mayor Suzanne Atwell and District 3 City Commissioner Shannon Snyder helped provide free home energy efficiency upgrades today as part of an ongoing partnership between the City of Sarasota and Florida Power & Light.  A total of 49 homes located in   District 3 received no cost energy makeovers.  This is the second year for the Home Energy Makeover Initiative (HEMI)   “I’m thrilled with the success of this HEMI program,” said Mayor Suzanne Atwell.  “Between this year and last year, almost 100 homes have received free

energy makeovers.  Simple modifications such as using more energy efficient light bulbs and water saving showerheads translate into energy savings and lower bills, which is a direct impact on people’s wallets.  I’m looking forward to many more years of this program.” Click here to see a photo album of the event.

One dozen FPL teams provided the energy upgrades to pre-qualified homeowners by installing compact fluorescent light bulbs, water saving showerheads water saving faucets, as well as refrigerator/freezer thermometers.  Weather stripping and air conditioning filters also were replaced.  Plus, FPL energy experts offered energy saving tips to homeowners and explained how they can save.  “I’m just happy to help,” said District 3 Commissioner Shannon Snyder, whose assistance included installing weather stripping.  “With what we did today, people will notice a difference in their bills.  They’ll save money.”  It’s estimated the makeovers will save residents up to 25 percent on their monthly energy bill.  

The HEMI program is part of the Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Energy Sustainability Agreement established along with a 30 year franchise agreement between the City of Sarasota and FPL.  The agreement also includes free energy makeovers for nonprofit organizations.

Most of the HEMI upgrades can be adopted by any FPL customer.  To learn about the improvements installed by HEMI teams, visit the Energy Savings Toolkit section atwww.FPL.com and take a free online home energy survey.

For more information contact Alison Albee, City of Sarasota Environmental Specialist:  941-365-2200 ext. 6317.