Atmos Energy and Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area are partnering to build a natural gas powered Zero Net Energy (ZNE) home, The ZNE home will produce as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year. It will also have a rooftop photovoltaic solar system to generate its own power.

“We believe in making a difference in our communities, and we are proud to partner with Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area to build an energy efficient home with affordable utility bills,” said John Duease, Atmos Energy vice president of marketing. “Affordable energy is critical to affordable housing, and this project demonstrates our commitment to fueling safe and thriving communities across Mississippi.” 

“The future homeowner, Shacora Brown, dreamed of owning a home for years,” said Merrill McKewen, Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area executive director. “She and her 5-year-old child currently live in an apartment with plumbing issues which have led to leaks and mildew. The current situation has become unbearable and this ZNE home is an answered prayer – it will be safe, decent, and affordable with a 30-year, zero-interest mortgage.” 

“The Brown family home will include three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and will have an estimated average monthly energy bill – including both gas and electricity – of less than $80 dollars per month, according to preliminary calculations based on its design,” added Duease.

Speaking at the ZNE groundbreaking was Mississippi State Treasurer David McRae as well Central District Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey.

“It is an honor to welcome Shacora and her daughter to the undeniable joy of home ownership,” said Mississippi State Treasurer David McRae. “There is a certain pride, a certain sense of freedom and security, that comes with a home you know to be all your own. What’s more, because of the incredible partnership between Habitat for Humanity and Atmos Energy, this is a Zero Net Energy home, forever reducing the Brown family’s energy bill.” 

“Not only will this Zero Net Energy home provide a safe, healthy place for the Brown family, it also demonstrates the wide array of energy efficiency and distributed generation technologies available to home builders and home buyers today,” Mississippi Public Service Commissioner Brent Bailey said.  “It’s great to see Habitat for Humanity and Atmos Energy using their partnership to help pave the way to developing more Zero Net Energy homes as a solution to reducing the energy cost burden that faces many low-income households in the south-central region of the U.S.” 

To build the ZNE home, Atmos Energy and Habitat for Humanity Mississippi Capital Area are working with MS Solar and Foch Dickens, HERS rater at Dickens and Associates. 

Source: Atmos energy newsroom