Seven electric cooperative families, including one in the Upstate, will win up to $10,000 in energy efficiency upgrades this fall as part of the "Help My House" contest from the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina.

Co-op homeowners are eligible to enter their primary residences in the statewide contest. Four finalists will be chosen in each of the state's seven television markets, with grand prize winners selected from among those groups of finalists. Winning homes will receive up to $10,000 in energy efficiency improvements which could include new heating/ air units, insulation, water heaters and other upgrades.

Electric cooperatives across South Carolina created "Help My House" to promote home energy efficiency. Corporate sponsors include Lennox, Glenco Insulation, Marathon Water Heaters and Apple Blossom Insulators, 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.

The contest opened August 1 will accept applications until September 15. Homeowners who receive their electricity from a co-op belonging to The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina Inc., the state trade association for electric cooperatives, are eligible to enter. Applications will be available in the South Carolina Living magazine and online at www.scliving.coop.