Seven electric cooperative families will win up to $10,000 in energy efficiency upgrades this fall as part of the “Help My House” contest from the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina.

Pee Dee Electric Cooperative homeowners are eligible to enter their primary residences in the statewide contest.  Four finalists will be chosen in each of the state’s seven television markets, with grand prize winners selected from among those groups of finalists.  Winning homes will receive up to $10,000 in energy efficiency improvements which could include new heating/air units, insulation, water heaters and other upgrades.

Electric cooperatives across South Carolina created “Help My House” to promote home energy efficiency.  Corporate sponsors include Lennox, Glenco Insulation, Marathon Water Heaters and Apple Blossom Insulators, who have agreed to donate equipment and services for the home energy makeovers.  Cooperative employees will help supervise the work and assist in the renovation process. 

To help reach as many South Carolinians as possible with this important energy efficiency message, one television station in each of the state’s seven broadcast markets will provide coverage of the home makeover in their area.  In addition to showcasing the increased efficiency of the grand prize winning homes, these reports will offer simple tips that every electricity consumer can use to lower energy use, regardless of income.

The contest is open from August 1 until September 15.  Homeowners who receive their electricity from PDEC are eligible to enter.  Applications will be available in the South Carolina Living magazine and online.