Welcome to the Fort Valley Utility Commission web site.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) Program

 LIHEAP is a federally funded program.. To receive this assistance the account for the heating energy source MUST be in your name, but you don’t have to be on public assistance and you don’t need to have an unpaid heating bill.  Contact the Neighborhood Service Center (825-3193) to schedule an appointment to see if you meet the eligibility requirements.

 The Utility Commission encourages you to contact the Neighborhood Service Center (825-3193) to see if you are eligible for LIHEAP funds.

Weatherization Assistance Program

 Georgia’s low-income Weatherization Assistance Program was established in 1976 and is administered under guidelines from the Department of Energy through the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA).  The Weatherization Assistance Program is the primary energy conservation organization for low-income individuals, which provides free energy conservation measures to income eligible individuals.  GEFA provides oversight, funding, technical assistance, training, and monitoring for the local agency providers.

In 2008, 11 homes in Peach County were weatherized through the program.  However, due to a substantial increase in funds allocated to Peach County for the next 3 years the number will increase for this 3-year period.  The Utility Commission encourages you to see if you are eligible for the weatherization assistance.

Step 1:  Contact the local service agency for your county.  The agency will determine whether you are eligible for the program. Peach County residents should visit the Neighborhood Service Center or call 825-3193.

Step 2:  If you qualify, a weatherization technician will conduct an energy audit on your home.  Diagnostic equipment is used to identify air filtration, pressure imbalances, and areas of heat loss.  Technicians also evaluate energy-related health and safety conditions.

Step 3: After acceptance into the program and initial evaluations, weatherization crews will install the most cost-effective energy efficiency measures.

Take the first step to see if you qualify.  Even though it may take 12 – 18 months from the time you sign up until your home is weatherized the long term benefits will be worth the wait!  For more information, call the Neighborhood Service Center at 825-3193 or visit www.gefa.org.

Rebuilding Fort Valley

•  Program uses volunteers to do repairs on homes of elderly and / or low income individuals.
• Applicant must own the home.
• Volunteers work on homes one day a year in April.

Applications are available at City Hall located at 204 W Church Street. For more information, call Martha (City Hall) at 478-825-8261.

Payment & Weatherization Assistance Contact Information 

Ways to Keep Bills Affordable!!!

 Winterize To Keep Your Costs Down

As the temperatures start to drop, we recommend you winterize your home.  Below are some suggestions to help with energy conservation and winterization.

• Caulk or weather strip around doors and windows.  A rolled up towel is an inexpensive way to stop drafts.
• Set your thermostat at 68 degrees or less.  Dress in warm clothes (such as sweaters and sweat shirts).  If possible, lower the temperature when you go to bed or are away from the house.
• On sunny days, open the curtains to allow the heat from the sun to penetrate.  When the sun goes down, close the curtains.
• Replace window screens with storm windows to provide an extra layer of protection and warmth for the home.
• Ensure the filter in your heating / cooling system is replaced on a regular basis.  A dirty filter impedes air flow and reduces efficiency.
• Check registers and radiators to ensure they are not clogged with dust.
• Reverse the direction of the ceiling fan to push warm air downward and force the air to circulate.  (Note: As you look up at the fan, the blades should be turning clockwise.   The opposite is true for the summer time.)
• Wrap any exposed water pipes to keep them from freezing and possible damage to the pipes.

Keep Cool During The Summer

Summer time means higher temperatures; this generally means we run our air conditioners more.  However, there are some things you can do to keep your electric bills affordable and stay cool during the hot, summer season. Consider using the following conservation measures:

• Keep your thermostat set at 78 degrees. If you’re going to be away from home, set it higher.
• Do your cooking and laundry during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are generally not as hot.
• Use ceiling or floor fans to circulate the conditioned air. Using fans makes the air feel cooler to the body which allows you to set your thermostat to a higher temperature.
• Clean dust from supply and return air grilles.
• Change filters monthly. However, if you have pleated filters, change these at least every three months.
• Keep curtains closed on the sunny side of your home.
• Install programmable thermostats to help manage your kilowatt usage.

 Leak Detection 

A toilet leak could be the culprit of higher than normal water usage.  If you suspect you have a leak in your toilet, stop by our office at 500 Anthoine Street and pick up a packet of leak detecting dye tablets.  All you do is drop a tablet in the toilet tank, stir slightly to dissolve the tablet, and wait a few minutes.  If color appears in the toilet bowl, you have a leak.  Please note, there is no charge for the dye tablets.