OREANDA-NEWS. A new apartment development for veterans in Tarpon Springs, Fla., received incentives from Duke Energy for energy efficiency upgrades through the company’s residential new construction Home Advantage program and the Tarpon Springs-Pinellas County Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

On June 27, Duke Energy presented a check for more than USD 19,000 to the Volunteers of America of Florida, an organization that collaborated with the Housing Finance Authority of Pinellas County and the city of Tarpon Springs on the project.

Duke Energy also partnered with Volunteers of America in providing recommendations for the energy efficiency upgrades through its Home Advantage program, which works with Florida homebuilders to design and build energy efficient homes.

Among the efficiency measures installed for veterans in 36 apartment units include high-efficiency heat pump systems and high-performance energy efficiency windows. HVAC system testing was also completed to ensure efficient heating and cooling in the apartments.

“Duke Energy is proud to join in this tremendous effort to support our local veterans,” said Joe Triolo, Duke Energy’s Home Advantage program manager. “These energy efficiency measures will deliver many long-term benefits, including increased comfort through efficient heating and cooling, and the opportunity for veterans to save energy to help lower monthly power bills.”

The Tarpon Springs-Pinellas County Neighborhood Stabilization Program offers housing to veterans, training for veterans with disabilities, education and employment services, as well as access to helpful local resources on-site at the apartment’s community center.