FUMC wins the Triple E Award!

Thank you to our trustees who worked diligently for this award! Following is the news release detailing our efforts.

PSC’s Triple E Award Presented to First United Methodist Church of Crestview TALLAHASSEE — This month, the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is recognizing Crestview’s First United Methodist Church (FUMC) for installing energy efficiency upgrades to lower utility costs with the PSC’s *Triple E Award—for Energy Efficiency Efforts.*

“Churches that save money on energy costs have more funds to focus on their primary mission,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “We applaud FUMC’s efforts to keep costs down for their members and preserve resources for future generations.”

Craig Yort, President of FUMC’s Trustees Committee, said, “One of our church’s largest budget items is utility expense. We were using energy unnecessarily with an inefficient heating and cooling system. By learning to manage energy wisely, we regained some energy efficiencies with a new geothermal unit. In addition to conserving energy, we freed up funds—otherwise used to pay the utility bill—to feed missions and our community.”

“The beauty of FUMC’s endeavor is that it can be duplicated by other churches. We recommended a geothermal heat pump to reduce their energy bill and improve their members’ comfort,” said Natalie Smith, spokesperson for Gulf Power. “Gulf Power is committed to helping commercial businesses and residents better manage their energy use through energy efficient upgrades that also reduce utility costs and help protect the environment.”

The PSC encourages cost-effective conservation and renewable energy to reduce the use of fossil fuels and defer the need for new generating capacity. Through the Florida Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, the PSC approves conservation programs for the state’s five investor-owned utilities, JEA, and the Orlando Utilities Commission.

Covering the state’s five major geographic areas, each month the PSC gives its Triple E Award to a local business that has accomplished superior energy efficiency. Look for PSC Triple E Award recipients throughout 2015 under Hot Topic on the PSC’s homepage, http://www.floridapsc.com/.

About First United Methodist Church of CrestviewFor over 100 years, the First United Methodist Church of Crestview congregation has been sharing its ministry, adhering to the same core beliefs and structure as United Methodist congregations all over the world.