Pennsylvania Power & Light Co.'s Comfort Home program for energy-efficient new home construction has been honored by the National Awards Council for Environmental Sustainability.

Comfort Home is one of more than 1,600 programs listed on an Environmental Success Index maintained by Renew America, a Washington-based environmental organization. The awards council -- a coalition of environmental, community and business organizations -- screens programs nominated for the index.

Renew America honored the Comfort Home program in 1995 as well.

PP&L's Comfort Home program contributes to a cleaner environment by reducing the energy use of new homes. The program also has been honored by the Governor's Energy Council and the National Association of Homebuilders.

A Comfort Home is designed, built and inspected to ensure its energy efficiency. Comfort Homes use energy-efficient electric heating and cooling systems, water heaters and appliances. They come with a warranty that assures the homeowner of comfort and energy savings.

"We are honored to be recognized two years in a row by a leading environmental organization for the Comfort Home program," said Raymond F. Suhocki, PP&L's vice president for Marketing & Economic Development. "More builders and homeowners are coming to realize the benefits of energy-efficient new home construction." Renew America's Environmental Success Index is available on the internet at http://solstice.crest.org/renew_america.