PENSACOLA, Fla. - Growing up in Pensacola, Corey Booth didn’t need to look far to learn the meaning of generosity.

“As a child, I watched my father work at the local utility and live his faith by helping others, and I knew I wanted to follow in his footsteps,” said Booth.

The now always busy, father of four works at Florida Power & Light Company (FPL) leading a team of energy efficiency experts who help customers save energy and money.

“If you were to ask my kids about what I do for work, they would say ‘Daddy helps people,’” he said with a smile.

Despite his hectic schedule at work and home, Booth always manages to find the time to give back to the community that raised him. For the last decade, Booth has represented FPL as a volunteer for the United Way of West Florida.

“I’m blessed to work for a company that encourages us to volunteer where we live,” said Booth.

Year-round, he helps plan the organization's biggest community-wide initiative, “Day of Caring,” taking place in October. From painting murals on elementary school walls to cooking meals for the homeless, countless lives have been touched through volunteer events, financial resources, and essential aid offered by the United Way and partnering companies.

“People can be emotional, thanking us for our work in the community,” said United Way’s Community Impact Coordinator, Julia Helton. “Last year, [Booth] brought together more than 40 FPL volunteers.”

As the chill of winter descends upon Northwest Florida, the need for resources and energy-saving guidance intensifies. 

“This time of year, we put the focus on being a light and helping others in need,” said Booth. “We all know the saying ‘It’s better to give than to receive... and I believe that to be true.’”

Whether he’s volunteering through United Way, his church or helping FPL customers save money on their electricity bills, Booth has a genuine heart for serving others no matter the season.

From his early days as an energy solutions specialist to now spearheading a team of energy experts as the northwest regional manager, Booth has built trust in his hometown.  

“Every customer is important, whether it’s your first home and you’re trying to manage your costs, or you’re a large industrial business, we’re here as your trusted energy advisors to provide solutions and help you find ways to save,” said Booth.

As cold weather sets in, Booth offers practical advice on ways to stay warm while keeping your bill low when the thermometer dips in the winter:

1. Adjust thermostats settings:

• For every degree you lower your thermostat during colder weather, you’ll save about 3-5 percent on your monthly heating costs. Heat your home at 68° or cooler with the thermostat fan switch on "auto." To save even more, lower your thermostat to 65° or cooler when you're away from home for more than a few hours.

2. Safely use space heaters rather than heating your entire home

• The cost to run a central heating system with only electric heat (not a heat pump) can add up to $1.50 or more per hour to heat your home. Rather than heating the entire house, use an electric blanket or a single space heater. Keep in mind the average space heater costs about 25 cents per hour to heat the space, so turn it off and unplug when not in the room.

3. Get personalized tips from FPL’s Energy Manager

• FPL's Energy Manager automatically breaks down and itemizes the actual cost and use of energy throughout your home, with personalized tips on how to save on your bill.

"It’s really exciting when you can connect with a customer and identify an energy consumption issue or give them a solution that can help lower their bill,” said Booth. “That’s what it’s about at the end of the day... caring for others.”

For more information on ways to save visit https://www.fpl.com/save/lower-my-bill.html.