Three families in the Florence / Myrtle Beach television viewing area and four families in the Charleston television viewing area are finalists in the Help My House home energy makeover contest sponsored by Horry, Marlboro, Pee Dee, Coastal Electric Cooperative, Edisto Electric Cooperative and Santee Electric Cooperative.

The three finalists in the Florence/Myrtle Beach area include: Eleanor Costin of Aynor, Billy Quick of Wallace and Terri Robertson of Little River.  One of these co-op members will win the grand prize-up to $10,000 in energy efficiency improvements-which could include new heating/air units, insulation, water heaters and other upgrades.

The four finalists in the Charleston area include: Harry Hooker, Jr. of St. George, Albert and Ericka Lawton of Ruffin, Kelly Duvall of Andrews and Barbara Chandler of Nesmith.  One of these co-op members will win the grand prize-up to $10,000 in energy efficiency improvements-which could include new heating/air units, insulation, water heaters and other upgrades.

Co-op officials will surprise the grand prize winner at his/her home on Friday, October 9 and Energy efficiency work will begin in the home shortly after the announcement.

Florence/Myrtle Beach area television viewers can see the winning home before, during and after its energy efficiency transformation by tuning in to WBTW-TV.  Charleston area television viewers can see the winning home before, during and after its energy efficiency transformation by tuning in to WCBD-TV.  In addition to showcasing the increased efficiency of the grand prize winning homes, news reports will offer simple tips that every electricity consumer can use to lower energy use, regardless of income.

Corporate sponsors of Help My House include Apple Blossom Insulators, Glenco Insulation, Lennox and Rheem Marathon Water Heaters, who have agreed to donate equipment and services for the home energy makeovers.  Cooperative employees will help supervise the work and assist in the renovation process.

Electric cooperatives across South Carolina created 'Help My House' to promote home energy efficiency to all electric consumers.  In August, the electric cooperatives held a contest among co-op homeowners to seek out homes that could realize the largest energy savings through a whole-house energy makeover.  Including grand prize winners in the Florence/Myrtle Beach and Charleston areas, seven homes statewide will receive up to $10,000 in energy efficiency upgrades.  More information is available at www.HelpMyHouse.org.