$14 million program will fund energy efficiency repairs in metro Atlanta county

QTS Data Centers announced a $14 million investment in a community resilience initiative to help Fayette County homeowners lower their energy costs.

The Fayette County Community Resilience Program, created in partnership with Georgia Power, will fund pre-weatherization repairs for more than 800 eligible households.

The initiative focuses on foundational repairs required before standard energy-efficiency improvements can take place.

Funding will address structural, health and safety issues in eligible homes, opening pathways for weatherization work designed to improve comfort and reduce utility bills.

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Eligible upgrades for participating households are determined through individual home assessments. Potential improvements include adding attic insulation, sealing air gaps and leaks, installing smart thermostats and sealing heating and air conditioning delivery ducts.

Program funds can also cover servicing existing heating and cooling systems or upgrading gas furnaces, boilers and water heaters.

Brian Herlihy, chief development officer at QTS, said the partnership was another investment by the company in the local community.

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“At QTS, we believe that being a good neighbor means investing in the things that matter most to the people who call Fayette County home,” Herlihy said. “This partnership with Georgia Power is about making a real difference for residents and families by creating opportunities to access resources that can improve their homes, lower energy costs and deliver benefits that last well beyond a single project.”

Georgia Power leaders said the program was important because of the impact of household utility costs on family finances.

“We know that energy costs are an important part of every family’s budget and that’s why we work every day to connect our customers with tools, programs and resources to save money and energy,” Latanza Adjei, Georgia Power senior vice president and chief customer officer, said. “Developing new strategic partnerships that help meet customers where they are and move them closer to energy efficiency, alongside outstanding partners like QTS, is just one of the ways that we are keeping customers at the center of what we do and making growth work for Georgia.”

Two non-profit partner organizations will assist with community outreach and administration.

The Same House is conducting local education efforts to build public awareness of the program while Groundswell serves as the Energy Navigator, handling technical screening, application assistance and direct guidance for residents navigating the repair and weatherization process.

Eligible Georgia Power customers in Fayette County can review the program details and submit applications online through Groundswell, according to QTS.

Customers who are not eligible or selected for the resilience program can access general energy efficiency programs listed on Georgia Power’s website.

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