The Texas Co-op Power Home Energy Makeover contest drew nearly 13,000 entries from electric cooperative members across the state who wanted a chance to win up to $10,000 in home energy-efficiency improvements.
Entries were accepted from January through March 10 and were evaluated for their potential to show noticeable energy savings, with equipment and materials provided by corporate sponsors Lennox (air conditioning and heating), Johns Manville (insulation) and Rheem Marathon (water heater).
In addition to the corporate sponsors, local contractors contributed time and resources to conduct energy audits and help with installation of the new energy-efficiency upgrades.
The five winners and their respective homes represent a cross section of co-op members who are aware of the relationship between energy efficiency and their electric bills. They might have initiated efficiency practices but did not have the resources to implement material improvements. While none of the homes needed a complete overhaul, all will benefit significantly from the modest investments offered by the contest.
The stories of the five winning families are as different as the diverse geography of our state. But what they all have in common is the recognition that affordable energy use demands a brand new mind-set that can help save energy and money for years to come.
Meet the winners:
- Slimmed-down Energy Hog
The Randolph family, members of Wood County EC - California Dreamin’ to Lone Star Livin’
The Zuniga family, members of Grayson-Collin EC - From Energy Dream to Savings Gain
The Stark family, members of South Plains EC - The Creative Life
The Jimenez family, members of Guadalupe Valley EC - Energy-Efficiency Ambassadors
The Donaldson family, members of Heart of Texas EC