SMECO earns award for delivering energy efficiency information and services
HUGHESVILLE, Md.—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (SMECO) with a 2013 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Award for its outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by delivering energy efficiency information and services to its customers. SMECO's accomplishments were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on March 26, 2013.
SMECO, which has promoted ENERGY STAR programs for more than 13 years, was honored for its work to increase market share of energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified products, homes, and programs through comprehensive outreach, education, and marketing programs. Through its EmPOWER Maryland energy efficiency programs, SMECO offers rebates on ENERGY STAR qualified lighting and appliances. SMECO also offers the ENERGY STAR New Home program and the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program for existing homes to help residential customers reduce their energy use.
Over the last 20 years, with help from ENERGY STAR, American families and businesses have saved more than $230 billion on utility bills and prevented more than 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
"SMECO is committed to working in partnership with ENERGY STAR to help our customer-members learn more about energy efficiency," said Jeff Shaw, SMECO's environmental programs and energy conservation director. "By using energy-efficient ENERGY STAR products and programs, our customers can save energy, save money, and reduce their impact on the environment."
"SMECO sets the bar for promoting energy-efficient products and services that help Americans learn how to save money and energy while protecting the environment," said Bob Perciasepe, Acting Administrator, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "SMECO's program delivery methods demonstrate how communities across the nation can protect the climate through greater energy efficiency and provide a road map for future program implementers."
The ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Awards for Energy Efficiency Program Delivery are given to a variety of organizations in recognition of their efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution. Award winners are selected from the nearly 20,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.
Source: SMECO