By Collin Breaux
Florida Power & Light customers in Vernon got a chance to learn ways to cut down on their bill costs in person.
FPL hosted an outreach event at the Vernon Community Center on March 28 where the public was welcome to come in and speak to FPL representatives about how to save energy.
Such outreach programs have been in place for a long time in the Northwest Florida area.
One main tip is to set the home thermostat temperature to 78 degrees. Each degree above that can be a 3 to 5% cost increase.
Other tips include keeping lights and fans off in unoccupied rooms, add insulation to attics, and cleaning or replacing air conditioner filters every month so the unit operates efficiently.
FPL can also conduct energy use surveys at customers’ homes and even personally install cost-saving measures at residencies in qualifying zipcodes.
Corey Booth, FPL regional manager for customer solutions, said they enjoy talking to customers face to face during the events.
Booth recommends people download and use the FPL phone app to track their energy usage, which can be monitored daily and monthly.
The Vernon event included barbecue food and was attended by City Council President Becky Baxley.
Hannah Collins 
KINSLEY COOK