Georgia McKnight’s home in Carver Shores is considered to be one of the least efficient homes in Orlando because it was constructed before the State of Florida Energy Building Code took effect in the 1970s. On Tuesday, May 11, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer will work-along with District 6 Commissioner Samuel B. Ings and Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) Board President, Katie Porta, to help make energy-efficient upgrades for Georgia McKnight, as part of the POWER program.

The POWER program is a partnership between the City of Orlando and OUC to provide weatherization, energy conservation and home energy fix-up rehabilitation to households below 80 percent of the metro Orlando median income. POWER stands for Provide Opportunity for Weatherization, Efficiency and Rehabilitation.

Neighborhoods, like Carver Shores, have been identified by OUC and the City of Orlando through analyzing utility bills and tax records across Orlando to calculate and map which of the City's 109 neighborhoods consume the most, and the least, electricity per square foot of living space. Carver Shores is ranked as the fourth-highest neighborhood in energy consumption across the City of Orlando.

Once a household is qualified by the City of Orlando, the homeowner will be contacted and an energy audit will be scheduled. The OUC energy audit determines the appropriate measures to be initiated based on the existing condition of the home and the funds available. Services provided may include:

• Roof Replacement
• Exterior Window and Door Replacements
• Attic Insulation
• Hot Water Heater Replacement
• Caulk Windows
• Caulk/Weather-strip Doors
• Plumbing Repairs
• Air Conditioner/Heater Service or Replacement
• Toilet Replacement (low-flow)
• Energy Light Bulb Replacement

• Location – Property must be located within the City limits of Orlando (restricted to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) target neighborhoods). Residents can check to see if their property is located within City limits by visiting ocpafl.org/searches/address_form.html or by calling 407.246.3422.
   
• Property Ownership – The property must be owner-occupied. Owners are required to provide a copy of their deed. Mortgage and property taxes must be current and copies of mortgage statements and proof of paid taxes will be required.
   
• Insurance – Homeowner must have a current home insurance policy on the residence.
   
• Income Verification – The resident’s income must be within the limits specified by HUD. Homeowners will need to provide income information for all members of the household. Self-employed applicants must provide profit and loss statements and/or a signed copy of their last year’s tax return.
   

This event also helps support Mayor Dyer’s green initiative, Green Works Orlando, which is the City’s first comprehensive plan to protect our natural resources, encourage environmentally-friendly lifestyles and business practices and engage everyone who lives, works and visits Central Florida in the effort to “go green.”