Dynamic Renewable Energy Source to Provide Clean and Sustainable Power
Gas South, the largest retail natural gas provider in the Southeast, announced the donation and installation of a solar flower at the Truist Andrew and Walter Young Family At-Promise Center, part of the campus of the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA in Southwest Atlanta.
The latest initiative in Gas South’s ongoing commitment to renewable energy sources, the solar flower stands a towering 18-feet-tall and will produce up to 6,000 kilowatts of energy per year for the YMCA campus, including the STEAM lab at the recently opened At-Promise Center. Promoting education in science, technology, engineering, the arts and math, the STEAM lab serves both teen members of the YMCA and those specifically working through programming in the At-Promise Center.
A collaboration between the Atlanta Police Foundation and the YMCA, the Young Family At-Promise Center opened in December 2021 and provides rehabilitation services and second chances for youth that have been in the juvenile detention system. This location is the newest of the three At-Promise Centers in the Metro Atlanta area, which have served over 1,700 youth since the program began in 2017.
“When it comes to our mission to ‘Be A Fuel For Good,’ this solar flower installation directly addresses two of our most important goals – serving children in need and investing in renewable energy sources,” said Kevin Greiner, Gas South’s president and CEO. “We are thrilled to share this with our partners at the YMCA and At-Promise Center, providing a valuable teaching tool and practical power supply for the next generation to enjoy.”
Strategically located to maximize sun exposure and visibility, the solar flower will create clean and sustainable energy while becoming the new focal point of the green space between the YMCA and the At-Promise Center. In addition to providing significant savings on the YMCA’s energy bills, it is also being optimized as a large-scale charging center for mobile devices, encouraging engagement in the sustainable technology from visitors and members on the YMCA campus.
“Through this partnership with Gas South, we’re able to highlight the importance of green energy initiatives and take a step in the right direction to address equitable energy in our communities,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “It’s critical we educate our youth about the significance of renewable energy as we build a better future for all.”
Gas South’s commitment to solar energy began to take shape in 2020 through the development of a utility-level solar farm with parent company Cobb EMC. In 2021, the company made the bold pledge to invest $50 million in solar investments by the end of 2023. For more information on Gas South’s “Be A Fuel For Good” mission and renewable energy initiatives, please visit gassouth.com.
About Gas South:
Gas South is a leading provider of natural gas in competitive markets throughout the southeastern U.S. Following the acquisition of Infinite Energy in 2020, Gas South now serves more than 425,000 residential, business and governmental customers in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and 10 other states. Gas South offers simple and straightforward rate plans, outstanding local customer service, and a promise to give back 5% of profits to support children in need. Gas South is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cobb EMC, one of the country’s largest electric cooperatives. For more information, visit www.GasSouth.com.
About the YMCA of Metro Atlanta
For more than 160 years the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has been impacting lives and strengthening communities. As Atlanta has grown, the YMCA has also evolved to meet the changing needs of our community. Well-thought-out planning, while engaging stakeholders at various levels, provides the backdrop for sustainable change and positive impact at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. By providing impactful services and support networks, and building bridges between people from all backgrounds, the Y has maintained its relevance, helping to create stronger, more cohesive communities for all. https://www.ymcaatlanta.org/
