Jefferson, GA – Jackson Electric Membership Corporation (EMC) is pleased to announce that it has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with a 2009 ENERGY STAR Leadership in Housing Award.  This award recognizes Jackson EMC’s efforts to promote energy-efficient construction and environmental protection by Sponsoring an ENERGY STAR for New Homes program in its service area last year. 

To earn the ENERGY STAR, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by EPA.  These homes are at least 15% more energy efficient than homes built to local code, and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20–30% more efficient than standard homes.

“Jackson EMC’s Right Choice new home program has been ENERGY STAR qualified for more than two years now, and it has been an outstanding partnership,” said Amy Bryan, Jackson EMC Director of Residential Marketing.  “The ENERGY STAR brand assures our cooperative’s members that the new home they’re buying will be comfortable and provide them with energy savings for the life of the home.”

ENERGY STAR qualified homes offer homebuyers all the features they want in a new home, plus energy-saving features like effective insulation systems, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, properly-sized and installed efficient heating and cooling equipment, efficient products, and third-party verification.

“EPA is privileged to work with a diverse group of utilities, state programs, and home builder associations who effectively support ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes,” said Sam Rashkin, National Director of ENERGY STAR for Homes. “Thanks to the leadership of these sponsors, home buyers across the country have greater access to ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes that cost less to own while improving comfort, indoor air quality, durability, and our environment.”

About Jackson EMC
Jackson EMC is a member-owned, not-for-profit cooperative that provides power and related services, such as energy efficient products and security services, to more than 204,000 meters in 10 Northeast Georgia counties.  For more information about Jackson EMC, visit www.jacksonemc.com.

About ENERGY STAR
 ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 12,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).