Georgia Power and the Atlanta Falcons have launched the Light Up the Holidays Contest, inviting Georgia residents to showcase their holiday decorations or acts of community service. The contest will run from November 28 through December 12 and is hosted exclusively on Georgia Power’s Instagram page.
To participate, individuals must follow @ga_power on Instagram, comment on the contest announcement post explaining how they or a friend are “lighting up the holidays,” tag two friends, and post an original festive photo using #GeorgiaPower and #ShowYourGlow. Finalists will be contacted via Instagram after submissions close. Public voting for finalists will take place from December 15 to December 22, with winners announced on December 27.
Prizes include four sideline tickets to the Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in January, a $5,000 donation by Georgia Power to a charity of choice within specified organizations, a hotel stay in Atlanta valued at $600 (delivered as a VISA gift card), an energy savings kit, and surprise items from the Atlanta Falcons for the grand prize winner. Second place receives a $2,000 donation to charity, admission to a local holiday light show ($200 value), an energy savings kit, and an additional item from the Falcons. Third through fifth place winners receive admission to a local holiday light show ($200 value), an energy savings kit, and another item from the team.
Eligibility is open to all legal Georgia residents aged 18 or older. Full contest rules are available online.
Georgia Power also provided safety and efficiency tips for customers during the holiday season. These include using LED lights instead of traditional incandescent decorations due to their lower energy use and longer lifespan; checking wires for damage before use; avoiding overloading sockets; using timers for decorations; practicing caution with space heaters and electric blankets; and being careful when using ladders near power lines. Additional recommendations involve replacing air filters regularly, fixing weather stripping around doors and windows, and keeping thermostats set around 68 degrees for both comfort and energy savings.
More information about saving energy can be found at https://www.georgiapower.com/residential/save-money-and-energy/products-programs/energy-efficiency-tips.html.
“Georgia Power encourages customers to keep energy efficiency and holiday safety top of mind this season with the following tips:
Light with LEDs. LED decorations can use more than 50 percent less energy than traditional incandescent decorations and last up to 10 times longer.
Watch the Wires. Check each set of lights for frayed wires and cracked or broken sockets before use and look for certifications such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), which indicate testing for safety.
Spread the Load. Don’t overload wall sockets or extension cords and follow instructions for connecting light sets end to end. Where possible, utilize different outlets on separate circuits.
Timing Counts. Use timers to ensure that holiday decorations are only in use when people are at home, or awake, to enjoy them.
Keep Warm Safely. Never leave a space heater unattended and ensure they are a safe distance from curtains and other flammable material. Electric blankets should never be used while sleeping or be placed under other items.
Lookout for Ladders. Use care when using ladders, especially outside near your home’s power drop or power lines.” – Georgia Power
In addition to these tips: “replacing air filters, replace cracked or peeling caulk or weather stripping around doors and windows, and keeping thermostats steady around 68 degrees can help families stay cozy while saving energy too.”
Customers seeking further advice can visit GeorgiaPower.com/Efficiency.
