Chad and Lisa Hayes knew exactly what they were looking for when they built their second home — a quiet community, spacious backyard and a place for their two children to grow up.

Familiar with previous Jackson EMC new home programs, Chad immediately inquired about building code standards and energy efficiency.

"We were building a custom home, and we wanted the best, most energy-efficient home we could get. I contacted Jackson EMC and Joe Hicks, residential marketing representative, told me about the Right Choice™ new home program. When I learned about the Right Choice standards, I insisted that my builder get certified.

"Knowing contractors and subcontractors must undergo a Right Choice training and certification program added even more value to the quality of work I'd come to expect from Jackson EMC," says Hayes.

Hicks says the Right Choice benefits are across the board. "Jackson EMC believes builders want to build better homes, realtors want to sell better homes and homeowners want to buy better homes. We are committed to providing the attention to energy efficiency that helps make that happen."

The Hayes say the Right Choice guarantees ensured that they made the best decision for their family's comfort. "We received the Right Choice Energy Warranty, guaranteeing that energy used will be below a certain amount each year. On top of that, Jackson EMC gives the one-year Right Choice Comfort Warranty that guarantees the temperature in each room stays within three degrees of the thermostat setting. There's no way we could lose with Right Choice."

In addition to the guarantees, Right Choice homeowners also receive Jackson EMC's lowest rate, but even more was in store for the Hayes. "My wife and I knew we wanted to be in this home for about 20 years or at least until our kids graduate. When we talked with Joe about our plans, he told us about EMC Security and their wide range of services." Chad's conversation with Joe proved to be valuable. The Hayes chose EMC Security, complete with whole-house audio, a central vacuum system and home entertainment technology.

"When I come home from a long day, everything is easy to use. The temperature, security, audio and entertainment are on one keypad. If I want to relax on my deck, I can listen to the Braves game with my whole-house audio. Jackson EMC has definitely made our lives easy and comfortable. They even put everything on one bill, both electricity and security.

"When family and friends visit, they often comment on how each room feels the same, no rooms hotter or colder than others. My energy bills have been within budget each month, and the airflow is distributed so evenly, you can't tell when the HVAC unit is coming on or going off. I highly recommend Right Choice and other cooperative services like EMC Security. Everything is easy to use, and the only thing you have to do is come home and enjoy the time with your family."

Having a home built to Right Choice new home standards could save you up to 5 percent on your electric bills. Not only will your home meet Georgia's building code standards, you'll also receive guarantees to be sure your home is working as efficiently as possible.

The Right Choice new home program ensures a home's building integrity from the foundation to completion, says Amy Bryan, Jackson EMC residential marketing director. "The Right Choice program provides quality control during construction and independent third party performance testing to measure real energy efficiency."

Whether you're just starting out or building your dream home, let the Right Choice network of contractors work for you. To find a Right Choice subdivision or contractor, call your local Jackson EMC office today or see www.jacksonemc.com/rightchoice.

Right Choice Advantages

Guaranteed energy savings — three-year energy warranty guarantees heating and cooling energy costs will be below a specified amount each year.

Guaranteed comfort — one-year comfort warranty guarantees that each room will stay within three degrees of the thermostat setting.

Energy-efficient construction confirmed by high-tech performance testing.

Jackson EMC's lowest rate.

Right Choice builders and insulation and heating and air conditioning contractors trained in energy-efficient construction and installation.