Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue signs an energy conservation executive order in front of a solar panel installed by Flint Energies.
Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue stood in front of a solar installation at a middle school served by Flint Energies to announce “Conserve Georgia,” a commitment to reduce the state government’s energy usage 15 percent from current levels by 2020.
Governor Perdue announced the energy challenge at Huntington Middle School where Flint Energies installed a solar panel in the fall of 2006 to help educate students about renewable energy and its impact on the environment. The energy produced by the one kilowatt solar panel is used by the school to reduce its energy needs. Flint Energies is a charter member of Green Power EMC, which pioneered the SunPower for Schools project in Georgia.
Flint Energies has helped the Houston County Board of Education (HCBOE) save over $7.8 million through energy conservation since 1999, about one million dollars a year. The annual savings equate to 22 to 24 percent of the system’s total utilities budget. The school system is Flint’s largest key account.
School employees Ronny and Cliff Hutto conduct school audits randomly throughout the year to ensure energy conservation guidelines are met and to reward the best performers. Schools who meet the energy conservation guidelines are entered into a drawing for cash or breakfast awards for faculty and staff. Flint Energies contributes more than $25,000 annually for these incentives.
Said Governor Perdue: “Meeting the 15 percent reduction goal will lessen Georgia’s dependence on traditional energy sources, support the economy, and improve the environment.”
“The state of Georgia will lead by example and adopt, implement, and promote energy efficiency practices and policies and by using renewable, locally produced biofuels and beanery,” he added.
Flint Energies has a long history of environmental stewardship, complying with all Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) rules on fleet size and maintenance. Flint is also an active member of the Middle Georgia Clean Cities Coalition.