POWERGRAMS

7 Alabama Power provides much more than reliable electricity: Customers also get a "wow" experience, says Hezekiah Jackson. That's how the president of the Birmingham branch of the NAACP describes the money-saving services and options Alabama Power offers. From energy checkups and audits to Budget Billing to the SSI rate rider for customers on a fixed income, these efforts are helping folks survive economically, Jackson said. Through an educational program created by Alabama Power employees, he is sharing dollar-stretching strategies with constituents across the state. "Alabama Power is a great corporate citizen," Jackson said. "It's important our citizens know what their options are in saving on their power bill, and making their homes more safe and energy efficient. So many customers don't realize they can receive a free energy checkup or where they can best spend their power dollars. Alabama Power is a friend to the community." So impressed is Jackson with Alabama Power's efforts to assist in the community through its education campaign, he nominated Marketing Specialists Starla Curry-Hilliard and Kelly Skelton to receive the NAACP's top women's leadership award. On May 14, the Alabama Power duo joined 35 leaders receiving Wonderful Outstanding Woman awards for their work in Birmingham. Skelton and Curry-Hilliard received the honor during a banquet at Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Jackson said he was pleased to honor Skelton and Curry- Hilliard, who have earned the trust of residential and commercial customers by working with them to keep energy bills as low as possible. The duo highlighted the company's efforts in a video series with local leaders: Jackson's interview combines an energy audit at Hope House in Birmingham; Isabel Rubio, president of the Hispanic Interest Coalition of Alabama (HICA); the Rev. Arthur Price of 16th Street Baptist Church; and Pastor Tommy Lewis of Bethel Baptist Church in Pratt City. Many church leaders have requested copies of the free CD about Alabama Power energy-savings programs and shown the videos to their congregations. Curry-Hilliard said the program is helping foster community goodwill. "There's been a lot of word of mouth about our programs among church leaders," said Curry-Hilliard, video host and interviewer. "We want our customers to know we're just a phone call away – the help is there. We have a houseful of energy experts who go to customers' homes or businesses and explain how they can save money." The idea for the educational program originated with Corporate Relations Specialist Ralph Williams and recently retired manager Audrey Vaughn, in partnership with Marketing and Public Relations. They sought to educate Alabama Power's community partners about programs that save on energy costs – services appreciated by churches, nonprofit organizations and other community entities on a tight budget. Skelton helped guide and plan the videos, which feature Residential Support Market Specialist Jim Goolsby and Commercial and Industrial Support Market Specialist Robin White demonstrating energy checkups and audits. Goolsby and White discuss the company's free water heater program and other opportunities. Audiovisual Specialist Mark Jerald, Public Relations, filmed the series and made CDs for distribution. "We recognize these are hard economic times, and businesses and other groups have to be energy-diligent," Curry-Hilliard said. "A lot of people don't know we have an electric rate rider for churches, for instance. We want our customers to know that Alabama Power Customer Service is here for them 24/7." Commercial customers can take advantage of free energy analyses. In the HICA video, White performed an energy audit for the group's new headquarters in Homewood. He said HICA would enjoy considerable savings by using programmable thermostats and taking steps to prevent air infiltration through the building's numerous windows. Skelton and Curry-Hilliard are happy that customers are getting the "good word" about how to save their energy dollars. Both were honored to receive the NAACP award. "It was the chance to be honored among phenomenal women in town who are such hard workers," said Curry-Hilliard, whose family has a civil rights background. "It was an honor to be selected as a spokesperson for the community. It was a humbling experience." Skelton was thrilled to receive her award. "The NAACP is so well-respected, both locally and nationally," she said. "It is an honor to be among all the women who have received this award in the past." By Donna Cope Two employees honored as Outstanding Women COMMUNITY Skelton with NAACP award. Curry-Hilliard honored by NAACP. Photo by Wynter Byrd

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