Georgia Power’s Commitment to Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development Goals

As summer begins and temperatures along with humidity rise following recent rains, Georgia Power is dedicated to supporting customers in staying cool while managing their energy consumption and costs. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action), by promoting energy efficiency and sustainable resource use.

Energy Efficiency Tips to Support SDG 7 and SDG 13

• Georgia Power provides practical energy-saving recommendations to help customers reduce energy consumption and environmental impact:
• Maintain proper airflow by regularly changing air filters and keeping vents unobstructed.
• Turn off lights when not in use and close curtains during peak sunlight hours to minimize heat gain.
• Seal windows and doors with caulk and weather-stripping to prevent air leaks and improve insulation.
• Wash full laundry loads in cold water and clean dryer lint traps to enhance appliance efficiency.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with ENERGY STAR-certified LED lighting, reducing energy use by up to 75%.
• Operate large appliances outside peak hours (2 p.m. to 7 p.m.) to maintain cooler indoor temperatures and reduce peak energy demand.

The EASE Program: Advancing SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 7

The Energy Assistance and Savings for Everyone (EASE) Program offers qualifying customers free home energy upgrades, including LED bulbs, heating and cooling system servicing, and attic insulation. These improvements contribute to significant energy savings and bill reductions, supporting economic sustainability and energy access.

1. Eligibility is based on household income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines (e.g., a two-person household earning less than approximately $42,000 annually).
2. Program details and application information are available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/EASE.

My Power Usage Tool and Threshold Alerts: Empowering Customers for SDG 7 and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production)

The My Power Usage tool enables customers to monitor and manage their energy consumption effectively through:

• Hourly, daily, and monthly energy usage tracking.
• Visualization of consumption trends and downloadable usage history.
• Customized notifications through Threshold Alerts to help customers stay within their energy budgets.

These features encourage responsible energy use and support sustainable consumption patterns.

Community Assistance Resources Supporting SDG 1 and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)

Georgia Power provides extensive resources to assist customers in need, including:

• A directory of local assistance programs for utilities, food, shelter, and more, accessible via GeorgiaPower.com/Assistance.
• The Income Qualified Portal (GeorgiaPower.com/IQPortal) where customers can create accounts and explore income-based support programs.

Energy Assistance and Rate Options: Enhancing Community Resilience (SDG 11)

Georgia Power collaborates with community organizations to provide support for rent, utilities, food, and shelter through initiatives such as Project Share, administered by The Salvation Army. This program matches customer contributions to maximize community impact.

• Customers can also select from various rate plans like FlatBill and PrePay to find options that best fit their financial and lifestyle needs.

Conclusion: Georgia Power’s Role in Promoting Sustainable Energy Use

Georgia Power remains committed to empowering customers with tools, programs, and resources that promote energy efficiency, affordability, and community support. These efforts contribute directly to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals by ensuring access to clean energy, reducing poverty, supporting sustainable consumption, and fostering resilient communities.

For further information and to access available resources, customers are encouraged to visit GeorgiaPower.com/MyEnergy.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article focuses on energy efficiency, affordable energy solutions, and tools to manage energy consumption, directly relating to SDG 7.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Programs like EASE and assistance options target low-income households, aiming to reduce energy poverty and support vulnerable populations.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Community partnerships and local assistance programs contribute to building sustainable communities.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Energy efficiency and reduced energy consumption contribute to mitigating climate change impacts.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Energy Consumption Monitoring
   • The My Power Usage tool provides hourly, daily, and monthly energy consumption data, which can be used to measure energy efficiency improvements (related to SDG 7.3).
   • Threshold alerts notify customers when they exceed energy usage targets, enabling tracking of energy savings.
2. Program Participation and Reach
   • Number of households qualifying for and receiving EASE Program upgrades (related to SDG 7.1 and SDG 1.2).
   • Utilization rates of assistance programs and local resources (related to SDG 1.2 and SDG 11.1).
3. Energy Cost Reduction
   • Reduction in energy bills for participating customers, indicating affordability improvements (related to SDG 7.1 and SDG 1.2).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: griceconnect.com