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Xcel Energy Conservation Programs Receive National Honors

Posted on: Tuesday, 2 October 2007, 12:00 CDT

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, a nonprofit research group based in Washington, D.C., has awarded three Xcel Energy conservation programs national honors.

The council determined the programs were noteworthy for their effectiveness and innovation in helping business customers achieve greater levels of energy efficiency.

"These programs are delivering energy savings that are critical in helping customers cope with today's high energy costs, plus they make an important environmental contribution because they help reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Martin Kushler, Ph.D., the council's Utilities Program director.

Fred Stoffel, Xcel Energy's marketing vice president, accepted the awards this week at a ceremony in Berkeley, Calif. "We appreciate the council's recognition of our efforts to create and market programs that are easy for our business customers to understand, and use to save money and energy," he said. "These awards, together with our customers' feedback and participation, verify that our conservation programs are best in class and give businesses the options they're looking for to reduce energy bills and minimize environmental impacts."

Two Xcel Energy programs were awarded the top honor of "Exemplary Program:"

Energy Design Assistance - custom consulting - This program achieves energy savings by working with building owners and design teams to implement energy efficiency strategies early in the design process for new buildings. Nearly 400 businesses have participated in this free program during its 13-year history, reducing their energy bills an average of 30 percent. Example: When Wells Fargo decided to construct a new building on its Minneapolis campus, it turned to Xcel Energy to build energy savings into the design. By implementing energy-efficiency strategies, Wells Fargo received a $73,000 rebate from Xcel Energy and will see an estimated annual savings of $23,000 in energy costs.

Lighting Efficiency - Launched in 1985, this program has been one of Xcel Energy's most successful conservation programs in Minnesota. Xcel Energy provides rebates to customers who purchase and install qualifying lighting equipment for new construction or renovation projects. Example: Caterpillar Paving Products Inc. of Brooklyn Park, Minn., replaced pulse-start halide lamps with high-bay fluorescent fixtures in its 375,000 square foot facility. The company received a $34,260 rebate from Xcel Energy and will save an estimated $79,700 annually in electricity costs.

One Xcel Energy program received "Honorable Mention:"

Custom Efficiency - This program lets customers earn rebates on energy-saving equipment or process improvements that aren't covered under Xcel Energy's other programs. Custom Efficiency encourages customers to develop and implement innovative, cost-effective energy efficiency measures unique to their operations. Example: To improve air quality, energy-recovery ventilators were installed in Richfield (Minnesota) Middle School. The school district received an $11,378 rebate from Xcel Energy and will see an estimated annual savings of $31,600 in natural gas and electricity costs.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is dedicated to research and policy development to advance energy efficiency as a means of promoting economic prosperity and environmental protection. For more information, visit aceee.org.

Xcel Energy (NYSE:XEL) is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company with regulated operations in eight Western and Midwestern states. Xcel Energy provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.3 million electricity customers and 1.8 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis. More information is available at www.xcelenergy.com.

Source: Business Wire

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