Giving Back and Taking Names: Powering Up For Energy-Efficiency Grants

IRVING, Texas, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Texas nonprofits constantly pitch in a helping hand to those in need, and First Choice Power wants to chip in to give back through $2,000 energy-efficiency grants. Organizations that need to replace their old inefficient heating/cooling equipment or lighting can apply for a Reduce Your Use™ Grant to become more green.

An organization doesn't have to be a 501 (c) 3 to apply, because even a Chamber of Commerce is eligible. Not sure if an organization qualifies? Check out www.FirstChoicePower.com/reduce for insight, specific guidelines and what makes the cut.

The Reduce Your Use Grants were created so that nonprofits didn't need to worry about paying to make themselves more energy-efficient. Instead, funds can be used toward what the organization has aligned for the year, so being green won't cut into an annual budget. Reduce Your Use Grants were established to encourage nonprofits to create a green environment in their community, and in 2010, First Choice Power will give $50,000 Reduce Your Use Grants.

Organizations such as The Adult Learning Center of Pearland have benefitted from the grants.

"Since we are a nonprofit every little bit we can do to lower our electricity cost helps," said Dale Pillow, executive director of the Adult Reading Center.

With 3.8 million people in Texas without a high school diploma, the Adult Learning Center was formed to provide free instruction to adults with limited English literacy skills. The Learning Center has received a two grant from First Choice Power, most recently for a tankless water heater for their facility.

"Empowering nonprofits to achieve goals of being more green is something that First Choice Power can rally behind," said Brian Hayduk, president of First Choice Power. "Organizations that give effortlessly back to the community are partners we naturally gravitate to. Nonprofits and chamber of commerce are the building blocks of a community, and we are proud to support them."

Applications must be submitted online by 5 p.m. on April 15. Only one application per nonprofit is accepted each year.

Customers also can become energy-efficient by following simple tips to save. Visit www.FirstChoicePower.com/tips for no- and low-cost ways to save energy in every room and appliance this summer.

About First Choice Power

First Choice Power lives by the mantra of "you first," which is seen through nonprofit and school support, competitive pricing and friendly customer care. A subsidiary of PNM Resources, First Choice Power strives to make each customer-based initiative a priority. Licensed since 2001, First Choice Power has ties to a 70-year heritage of serving Texans. For more information, visit www.FirstChoicePower.com.

PUC REP Certification No. 10008 | First Choice Power Special Purpose, L.P.

SOURCE First Choice Power