- April 18, 2024
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The PACE Center for Girls in Ormond Beach got an energy makeover by Florida Power and Light on Tuesday, Oct. 2, when the utility company donated more than $10,300 in energy efficiency upgrades.
FPL installed two new air conditioning units, replaced nine thermostats in the center with Ecobee smart thermostats, and weatherstripped exterior doors. These changes should help PACE save over $1,000 in energy costs annually, according to a press release.
Georgia McCurdy, executive director of the PACE Center for Girls, said the project started with one of their board members, Vickie Henson, who is an FPL employee. She asked her co-workers what could be done for the center, and events progressed from there.
"This is a huge help," McCurdy said. The center is currently undergoing renovation efforts, including exterior painting and classroom refreshing.
She added that the upgrades could not have come at a better time. The week that the center began a conversation with FPL about the upgrades, the two units planned to be replaced broke, an incident that McCurdy said could have led to mold problems if they didn't act fast.
“Having a comfortable environment for the girls is important, and so we’re grateful for that," she said.
This is not the first time FPL has helped the PACE center. In 2016, the company donated $5,000 to help PACE battle a termite infestation.
FPL Regional Manager Larry Volenec said the company looks to help different nonprofits that make an impact in their communities, and he said PACE is one of those nonprofits. Aside from the energy upgrades, FPL also gave each girl in the center a Target gift card.
“It feels really good to be able to make a difference in the communities where our employees live, work, play and raise their own families," Volenec said.
