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Starkville Utilities Named Top Performer in TVA EnergyRight Program

Customers and the community benefit from energy savings, carbon reductions

When it comes to helping customers improve energy efficiency, save money and reduce their environmental impacts, Starkville Utilities is a top performer.

As a Tennessee Valley Authority EnergyRight partner, Starkville Utilities earned third place in two Local Power Company Top Performer award categories—the New Homes Program and Home Energy Workshops.

“These awards represent our commitment to be more than a power provider—we’re helping customers manage energy use more effectively and lower their energy costs,” said Edward Kemp, general manager of Starkville Utilities. “EnergyRight also provides environmental benefits for the community, and we’re excited to offer these programs through our partnership with TVA.”

TVA recognized Starkville Utilities at the city board meeting on April 4.

“Starkville Utilities’ commitment to helping their neighbors is on full display with this award,” said Cindy Herron, vice president, TVA Energy Services & Programs. “We thank them for being a valued partner to TVA EnergyRight as we work to positively impact our communities.”

The EnergyRight New Homes Program offers incentives to approved builders to install electric equipment in residential construction projects. By participating in the program last year, Starkville Utilities added 431,049 kilowatt-hours of efficient energy to the grid while preventing 1,801 tons of annual carbon emissions.

Also last year, Starkville Utilities helped residential customers save 4,495 kilowatt-hours of electricity by offering free Home Energy Workshops at the Starkville Oktibbeha County School District Discovery Center. EnergyRight workshops throughout TVA’s seven-state region reduced 68 tons of carbon emissions in 2022.

Home Energy Workshops are hands-on, interactive sessions that focus on do-it-yourself tips to improve energy efficiency and lower bills. In addition, participants receive free “starter kits” containing foam spray, weatherstripping and other products to improve efficiency.

Workshops also are available for elementary and high school students and cover the basics of electricity and steps they can take to save energy.

Home Energy Workshops are tailored for the season in which they’re held to make the information as relevant and useful as possible. With warmer weather ahead, the following are examples of summertime strategies that can help customers reduce cooling bills:

• Operate thermostats efficiently. Keep your house warmer than normal when you’re away and lower the thermostat only when you are home. Setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you return won’t cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
• Keep your cooling system running efficiently. Schedule regular maintenance. Vacuum return vents regularly to remove dust buildup and change filters on time.
• Use fans and other ventilation strategies. A ceiling fan allows you to raise the thermostat setting about 4°F with no reduction in comfort. Turn off ceiling fans when you leave the room; fans cool people, not rooms, by creating a wind-chill effect.
• Keep cold air inside and hot air outside. Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home and cold air from escaping. Add caulk or weatherstripping to seal leaky doors and windows.
• Don't heat your home with appliances and lighting. On hot days, avoid using the oven; use a microwave, cook on the stove, or grill outside. Install efficient lighting that runs cooler.

Through its EnergyRight partnership with TVA, Starkville Utilities offers several energy-saving incentives and solutions for residential customers, including free home energy audits.

In late March, Starkville Utilities presented Home Energy Workshops at the Discovery Center , the Starkville Housing Authority, and local after school programs and more workshops will be announced for fall 2023. In the meantime, those interested in hosting or attending a future workshop are encouraged to contact Starkville Utilities at 662-323-3133.

Starkville Utilities is a public utility serving 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville, Mississippi as well as Mississippi State University. Its mission is to supply safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric and water service of superior quality and value that improves the lives of its customers.