Susan Berry had never won anything in her life. But that was before she was handed the keys to a brand-new 2013 C-MAX Energi Plug-In Hybrid. Susan was selected as the winner of the 2013 MyEnergi Lifestyle Sweepstakes.

Prior to learning about the Sweepstakes on the Katie Couric talk show “Katie,” Susan and her family had been tinkering with ways to reduce their energy waste.

“As a retiree, every little bit helps,” Susan explains. “We were able to get our household electric bill down from over $100 to around $32 a month with a few small changes.”

These changes included unplugging electrical appliances that were not in use, switching to energy-saving LED light bulbs and looking for ways to recycle more household waste.

“Appliances are important as well,” says Susan. “If you have old ones, you should consider upgrading to more energy-efficient versions. There can be a major difference in the energy usage and that can save you money.”

Speaking of appliances, among the prizes awarded for being the contest’s winner are Energy Star-rated Whirlpool appliances and a Sun Power solar panel system. These will allow Susan and her family to actually create more electricity than they would consume, selling it back to the grid and pocketing the difference. Fewer bills means more money for Susan and her husband’s retirement.

When it comes to savings, Susan was thrilled with the 2013 C-MAX Energi Plug-In Hybrid and charging station from Eaton Electric and how she didn’t anticipate having to fuel up that often.

“I was filling up my tank every week. But Ventura is a small town and I can probably just plug it in and drive without having to buy gas,” said Susan.