Jackson EMC's residential marketing representatives completed a thorough, full-scale training certification to enhance the energy audit service they deliver to you.

The 56-hour training program covered topics such as calculating energy cooling usage of heat pumps and air conditioners; compiling comparative differences between heat pumps, electric furnaces and space heaters; and much more. Climate, location and even lifestyle habits can have significant impacts on your home's energy usage and utility bills. As society changes, our methods to educate and serve must change as well. The Certified Energy Auditing Program was designed with you and your needs in mind.

Representatives are constantly working on ways to help you conserve energy and reduce your electric bills. During the certification process, representatives studied techniques related to calculating the energy cooling usage of heat pumps and air conditioners, measuring energy usage at the meter, diagnosing problems that are not so obvious to homeowners and energy usage calculations related to appliances. Although the representatives have offered these services previously, the latest studies included new statistics and data as it relates to today's high technology and every-changing family lifestyle and habits.

Brian Patton, residential marketing representative, says the certification process was rewarding because he had the opportunity to hear from representatives from other electric cooperatives. "Hearing the unique auditing or high bill situations from other cooperatives gave me insight on a variety of options and solutions if a similar situation arises at Jackson EMC. Working energy audits and responding to high bill questions is a delicate matter, and I welcome the opportunity to learn more about how I can help our members reach a resolution quickly and efficiently," says Patton.

The Certified Energy Auditing Program was conducted through the Georgia Electric Membership Corporation Training, Education and Safety Program. Five topics were covered throughout the curriculum, with some topics conducted in two-day intervals.

Amy Bryan, director of residential marketing, says the certification program builds on the knowledge the representatives have gained through experience and other training programs. "This certification program is good because it keeps the content of the audit current with industry standards, while keeping up-to-date with technological advances related to measuring energy performance for the home and HVAC equipment. Staying current is half the battle — as technology advances, our energy auditing services must advance to meet the current needs of our members."