County to earn Gulf Power rebates from AC units

Santa Rosa County Commissioners approved the purchase of more expensive air conditioners than originally ordered for the Navarre Tourist Center being built in Navarre Park. But by spending an additional $2,967 the county will actually earn a profit of $3,832 --thanks to Gulf Power rebates.

Commissioners were shown that Gulf Power gives rebates to anyone purchasing the more energy efficient geo thermo air conditioners, and the rebates are $400 a ton. The county is purchasing about 17 tons of sir conditioning equipment for the Tourist Center now under construction. The rebates will add up to $6,800-plus. There will be the additional $2,967 in cost for the purchase of the upgraded equipment, but that will leave a rebate profit to the county of $3,800-plus.

Even if you can't throw a strike, you'll be helping to grant a sick child's wish by bowling in the 2007 "Lanes of Dreams" Bowling Event which will benefit The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Central and Northern Florida. Sponsored by the Plant Crist chapter of the Gulf Power Transformers, a tax-exempt charitable organization run & managed by employee volunteers, the fundraiser is now in its 3rd year! This event will be Saturday, July 21st at the Oops Alley Family Entertainment Center in Pace. Registration is $30 per person and includes three games, shoe rental, a bountiful lunch buffet and prizes. For more information, contact Tanya Lockett at 850- 429-2294.

Gulf Power Company is gearing up for the 2007 hurricane season, with lessons learned two years ago from Hurricane Katrina still fresh in the minds of employees who helped in the aftermath.

The electric utility has a comprehensive plan for any level of hurricane, and its line crews - among the most experienced and storm tested in the nation - have set records for restoring power following storms that have made landfall all over the Southeast.

The company follows a detailed plan to rebuild the electrical system following a hurricane's landfall, and works closely with the county Emergency Management personnel. Every Gulf Power employee has a storm assignment and the company brings in thousands of outside utility workers to help.

Writer Pam Brannon contributed to this report.