Gore's home improvements cut summer power usage by 11 percent

Al Gore, who was criticized for high electric bills at his Tennessee mansion, has completed a host of improvements to make the home more energy efficient.

A building-industry group has praised the Nashville house as one of the nation's most environmentally friendly.

The former vice president has installed solar panels, a rainwater-collection system and geothermal heating. He also replaced all incandescent lights with compact fluorescent or light-emitting diode bulbs.

According to The Associated Press, Gore's improvements cut the home's summer electrical consumption by 11 percent compared with a year ago.

Gore shared the Nobel Peace Prize this year for his environmental work.