As part of its Earth Day preparations, Florida Power and Light Company, with the help of local contractors, provided a free energy makeover to the Sunshine Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3233 in Sarasota today.

The makeover is an extension of FPL’s non--profit energy efficiency program. The upgrades volunteers provided today are expected to save the VFW up to $1,400 each year.

The FPL team, working with Cortez Heating and Cooling, JAM Lighting Distributors, and Manson Roofing, applied a reflective coating on the roof to help keep the VFW facility cool during warm weather, repaired faulty air conditioning duct work, cleaned air conditioning coils to help the unit run more effectively and installed energy-efficient lighting to reduce its energy bills.

VFW Post Commander Gary Williams expressed his gratitude to the team of volunteers. “We are so thankful to FPL and its partners for their generosity and hard work in making our post more energy efficient.  We’re looking forward to seeing the immediate savings in our electric bill each month.” 

FPL energy experts were also available on-site to provide veterans with free one-on-one consultations on energy-efficiency improvements they could make.

Retired Vietnam Veteran, Matt Erny, took advantage of the energy efficiency consulting provided by FPL. 

“I'll be saving about $80 a month now," he said. "This is a big help, especially when you're retired and watching your money." 

Erny also said he would like to participate in FPL’s On Call^® Savings Program, which could save him up to $137 a month. “It would be great to save even more,” Erny explained. The On Call Savings Program allows customers to receive a monthly credit their electric bill every month in return for letting FPL occasionally turn off selected equipment, for short periods of time, only when absolutely necessary during peak demand periods or emergency situations.
 
“Every dollar the VFW Post can save on its electric bill is a dollar they can use to aid veterans and their families," said Ray Dowling, FPL’s External Affairs manager.” It is an honor to give back and help those who have done so much for our country.”

In addition to the energy improvements, FPL donated $750 to the Sunshine VFW Post’s general fund, which helps provide essential services to our country’s veterans and their families.

 “This generous gift couldn’t come at a better time as the economy has taken its toll on this community,” added Commander Williams. “FPL has enabled us to continue to provide necessary services to our nation’s heroes.”