LAWTON, Okla., February 6, 2013 –Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) today announced the completion of energy efficiency upgrades to the newly remodeled Rosebrook Apartments in Lawton.  The complex, located at 3132 N.W. Cache Road, changed ownership several times and had become outdated and run down when current owner Mike Nottingham bought the property and began making plans to remodel it. 

During the 15-month renovation period, PSO’s Multifamily Housing Program provided technical assistance and energy modeling tools to improve energy performance in the multifamily property, achieving more than 40 percent energy savings.  PSO also offered incentives to help offset the cost of making the improvements.         

“Prior to starting the renovation, windows were broken or boarded up, adequate outdoor security lighting and fencing did not exist, doors did not lock, the parking lot had holes and cracks, and most apartments did not have smoke alarms,” Nottingham remembers.  “The deterioration of the complex caused threatening conditions for city and service workers and was even listed as off limits for military personnel to reside.”

            As work got underway, PSO recommended incorporating upgrades into the renovation to make the apartments more energy efficient, which would help tenants reduce their energy costs.  The upgrades also would help Nottingham boost the value of the property, be more competitive in the real estate marketplace, and attract long-term tenants.  Plus, PSO’s Multifamily Housing Program offered Nottingham cash-back incentives to cover some of the costs of installing the upgrades.

            “The incentives from PSO allowed us to make improvements that go way beyond just cosmetic fixes,” says Nottingham.  “The extra effort taken to make these apartments highly energy efficient will provide long-lasting comfort and money-saving benefits for all our residents.”

            Energy efficiency installations at Rosebrook Apartments included new ENERGY STAR® windows and appliances, high-efficiency heating and air conditioning systems, insulated exterior doors, and security lightning.

            “The energy efficiency features built into this project are very significant; some even exceed those found in some new complexes,” says Max Seibold, PSO Customer Services account manager.  “Tenants should not only find a safer living environment than before, but also save money and live more comfortably thanks to the energy efficiency upgrades.”

PSO, a unit of American Electric Power (NYSE: AEP), is an electric utility company serving 535,000 customers in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma.  With headquarters in Tulsa, PSO has 4,269 megawatts of generating capacity and provides electricity to 230 cities and towns across a service area encompassing 30,000 square miles.  News releases and other information about PSO can be found on the World Wide Web at www.PSOklahoma.com.