POWERGRAMS

ENVIRONMENT CommuteSmart saves money, reduces road time Hasenfuss has been a teleworker since 1998. S it back, enjoy the ride to work and save money – all at the same time. Getting there has never been easier for Alabama Power employees who take advantage of the many benefits provided by CommuteSmart, which offers online ride-matching, carpool and vanpool services. Since 2007, Alabama Power and CommuteSmart have partnered to get cars off the road in efforts to improve air quality. It's all part of the company's efforts to help kick off a low-NOx summer for employees in Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile. CommuteSmart statistics show that around Birmingham about 37 percent of traffic is headed downtown. The average Birmingham driver yearly wastes 21 gallons of gasoline just sitting in traffic, as well as 32 hours that could be better utilized. "CommuteSmart encourages employees to get to work other than driving alone, using clean commutes such as vanpooling and carpooling, riding the bus, teleworking and other options," said Michelle Wilder Mattox, Marketing Outreach coordinator for CommuteSmart, which is federally funded. It takes four to six employees to start a vanpool. CommuteSmart passenger vans hold seven, nine, 12 or 15 riders, and employees can try the program for two weeks free of charge. Each group initially receives a $40 gas card during the demonstration program. Take a clean commute at least 20 times in three months, and CommuteSmart will pay $1 a day for the first 90 days, up to $70. After 90 days, employees receive a $25 gift card each quarter. Employees must log their commutes on the CommuteSmart website a minimum of 20 times each quarter. Mattox said vanpoolers will nearly halve their expenses for gas, insurance and vehicle maintenance – savings to which Customer Care Associate Cindy Nix can attest. A teleworker for more than 20 years of her 39-year career at Alabama Power, answering customer calls from her Shelby County home freed Nix from a 26-mile roundtrip commute. Nix said she easily saves $150 monthly on gasoline, as well as avoiding some maintenance and parking costs. Nix revels in the time-savings she's obtained as a home worker. Sheila Hasenfuss, who has been a PAGE 6 teleworker since 1998, said the program has been a win-win situation for her. "I'm more relaxed and, being at home, I don't have office noise," said Hasenfuss, Customer Care associate. "Teleworking has reduced the amount of wear and tear on my car, and I save a lot on gas. I also save on clothing. It's very convenient and works for me." "I really enjoy working from home," said Nix, who signs on each day at 8 a.m. "It's a lot less stressful not having to commute, because I avoid the congestion on Highway 280. It's quiet here, and I save more than an hour a day on time I used to spend commuting. It's unbelievable." Nix had to adapt to working at home, mostly missing the daily interaction with co-workers. As teleworkers, Nix and Hasenfuss provide their own computer, phone and Internet at home. "There are pros and cons to it, but mostly the benefits outweigh the negatives," Nix said. "I know I've saved a lot of wear and tear on my car." As a teleworker, Nix is responsible for providing her own computer, phone and Internet connection. Active CommuteSmart participants are eligible to use the program's free, emergency ride home five times a year, Mattox said. "In the case of a sick child, you're sick or unexpectedly have to work overtime, all you have to do is call CommuteSmart and you'll get a free ride home with Yellow Cab or a rental car," Mattox said. "This takes away the anxiety of not having your car with you." CommuteSmart held emission testing at the Corporate Headquarters parking deck on June 6. Corporate Headquarters employees can learn more about preserving air quality during the CommuteSmart Lunch 'N Learn – and get a free lunch – at the Corporate Auditorium on July 16. Nix said she's grateful to be part of the teleworking program. "I'm thankful to know I'm not polluting the air on my drive to work and back," she said. By Donna Cope

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