PHOENIX, Jan. 29, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Association of Energy Services Professionals (www.aesp.org) recognized outstanding energy efficiency programs at its 23rd National Conference and Expo held January 28-31, 2013 in Orlando, FL.
A photo accompanying this release is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=16907
"The award recipients have created innovative and measurably effective programs that have led to energy savings and reduced pressure on the grid," said Meg Matt, president and CEO of AESP. "We are pleased to recognize these game-changing programs that demonstrate leadership in moving the industry forward and drive energy users toward smarter methods of consumption."
AESP presented awards in six categories along with two special award presentations:
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Winner: National Grid
Program: ENERGY STAR 20TH Anniversary Celebration
National Grid took advantage of a unique milestone in the energy efficiency industry – the 20th anniversary of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® program – to create an innovative energy-efficiency education and outreach campaign for its communities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Contact: Cadmus, Laura.Orfanedes@cadmusgroup.com
RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION and
PRICING AND DEMAND RESPONSE categories
Winner: ConEdison, in conjunction with ThinkEco
Program: CoolNYC
CoolNYC 2012 deployed the modlet smartAC technology, developed jointly by ThinkEco and Con Edison, which enables the remote thermostat control and real-time energy monitoring of room air conditioners from any browser or smart phone. During the summer of 2012, this technology was successfully marketed and distributed throughout the five boroughs of New York City. CoolNYC won awards in both Residential Program Design & Implementation as well as Pricing and Demand Response categories.
Contact: ConEdison, Adrianne Ortizo, ortizoa@coned.com
ThinkEco: Mei Shibata, mei@thinkecoinc.com
NON-RESIDENTIAL PROGRAM DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION
Winner: Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships
Program: DesignLights Consortium
The DesignLights Consortium® (DLC) is a project managed by Northeast Energy Efficiency Partnerships (NEEP), a regional nonprofit which has been bringing stakeholders together since 1996 to accelerate efficiency solutions in order to create lasting change in the marketplace. Through support of federal, regional, state, utility, and energy efficiency program members, the DLC provides technical expertise for cutting edge technologies and has driven the lighting market towards innovation. Since 2009, the DLC has administered the Qualified Products List (QPL), a leading resource to distinguish quality, high efficiency LED products for the commercial lighting sector. Today, the QPL sets the bar for efficiency program incentives while informing manufacturer product development.
Contact: Jon Linn, jlinn@neep.org
TECHNOLOGY DEPLOYMENT
Winner: Franklin Energy Services
Program: BenLink
Franklin Energy developed the Benlink™ mobile app, an in-field data collection tool that reduces the potential for errors, improves efficiency and security, and enhances customers' perception of energy efficiency programs. BenLink™ provides a simple, straight-forward solution to problems common to direct install programs and offers applications in energy auditing and incentive applications. It consolidates paper records and forms into a mobile app that provides field staff with scheduling and customer information; guides the accurate installation of product and collection of data and customer information; ensures secure and timely uploading to a program's data tracking system; and improves inventory control.
Contact: Todd Lutz, tlutz@franklinenergy.com
PRICING AND DEMAND RESPONSE
Winner: ConEdison in conjunction with ThinkEco
Program: CoolNYC
The CoolNYC project also won an award in the Pricing and Demand Response category. Refer to the program description above for details.
Contact: ConEdison Adrianne Ortizo, ortizoa@coned.com
ThinkEco: Mei Shibata, mei@thinkecoinc.com
MARKET RESEARCH & EVALUATION
Winners: Berkshire Gas, Blackstone Gas Company, Cape Light Compact, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts, National Grid, New England Gas Co., NSTAR Electric and Gas, Unitil, Western Massachusetts Electric
Program: Appreciative Inquiry Summit
The Massachusetts Program Administrators sponsored and supported an Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Summit titled "Massachusetts: Leading the Nation in the Energy Savings Revolution--Building a Better Tomorrow Through Energy Efficiency Today."
At the Appreciative Inquiry Summit, business and civic leaders, policy makers, advocates, and residents came together in historic ways, addressed common challenges, found common solutions. They produced a range of insights, recommendations and commitments to action that will form the foundation of the roadmap for Massachusetts' energy efficiency future and, more specifically, be used to shape Massachusetts' 2013 – 2015 and beyond – energy efficiency plans.
Contact: Michael McAteer, Michael.mcateer@nationalgrid.com
ONE TO WATCH
Winner: Sarah Colvin, Cambridge and North Dumfries Hydro
In 2007, Ontario's electricity marketplace changed dramatically and conservation became a core value of many electric utilities. Colvin saw the potential in this industry growth and at the age of 23 established herself as an independent consultant. She was awarded contracts to coordinate conservation program delivery, account management, and marketing services on behalf of four Ontario electric utilities, representing more than 200,000 customers collectively.
Contact: Gregory Rushby, grushby@rushbyenergy.com
2012 B.H. PRASAD AWARD
Winner: Michael J. Volker, Director of Regulatory Services, Midwest Energy Inc.
Michael J. Volker, Director of Regulatory & Energy Services at Midwest Energy Inc. received the Association of Energy Services Professionals' (AESP) highest honor, the B.H. Prasad Award, at AESP's 23rd National Conference being held this week in Orlando, FL. The B. H. Prasad award is named for a former chair of AESP and recognizes a member's outstanding contribution to AESP. "Michael received the recognition for his volunteer work for AESP, including his service on the Executive and Finance Committees, as well as being Vice Chair of Strategic Initiatives. Michael was also instrumental in helping AESP launch its commission database research tool on energy efficiency rulemakings," said Meg Matt, AESP president and CEO. "Michael's contributions to AESP are immeasurable and he has been a tireless advocate for our members," Matt added.
For photos of the winners, contact david@harrisoncommunications.net
The Association of Energy Services Professionals (www.aesp.org) provides professional development programs, a network of energy practitioners, and promotes the transfer of knowledge and experience. Our members work in the energy services industry and represent electric and natural gas utilities, public benefits associations, regulatory and non-profit entities, vendors, manufacturers and consulting firms. Founded in 1989, AESP is a member-based association dedicated to improving the delivery and implementation of energy efficiency, energy management and distributed renewable resources. AESP provides professional development programs, a network of energy practitioners, and promotes the transfer of knowledge and experience.
