ATLANTA, June 17, 2015 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As sustained high temperatures in Georgia drive energy use up, Georgia Power is reminding customers that focusing on energy efficiency can help keep their homes cool and reduce the impact of the hot weather on power bills. As part of continued efforts to help customers save energy and money, the company has made it easy to find energy solutions and expertise at www.GeorgiaPower.com and is sharing tips and advice throughout the summer on Twitter using the hashtags #HotWeatherTip and #SaveEnergy.

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Summer-specific tips from Georgia Power include: 

• Insulate, Insulate, Insulate – Insulating attics, floors and walls is one of the most effective ways to keep cool air inside your home.
• Thermostats – Set your thermostat at 78 degrees in the summer. You can expect a 3 to 4 percent increase in energy use for each degree lower it is set.
• Close the Blinds – Keeping the blinds and shades closed during the day is a no-cost way to keep your home cooler.
• Ceiling Fans – Moving air can feel 3 to 5 degrees cooler than non-moving air and can save you 3 percent on cooling costs.
• Have Your A/C Serviced – Having a professional inspect your system annually will ensure proper operation and keep it running as efficiently as possible.

Georgia Power offers rebates and incentives to help make energy efficiency improvements around the house even more valuable, as well as other services at www.GeorgiaPower.com/save including a free online energy checkup and the ability to schedule a free in-home energy audit. Additionally, the company’s My Power Usage program, a free service connected to Georgia Power online accounts, allows customers to track their daily energy use online, project their monthly bill and stay within a set energy budget by signing up for account notifications.  

Even with energy efficiency and careful planning, higher temperatures can mean higher bills. If customers need assistance paying their bill, Georgia Power is here to help. The company works with customers to coordinate payment arrangements and can connect them with community organizations which may be able to help them pay their bill. Additional information about bill payment assistance is available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/assistance, via phone at 888-660-5890 or by visiting a local Georgia Power office. 

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), the premier energy company serving the Southeast through its subsidiaries. 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, advanced coal and natural gas, renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind, as well as a variety of energy efficiency programs. 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).