An inaugural award competition incentivizes energy innovators
COLLINSVILLE—This winter, Ameren Illinois launched its first Energy Innovators Award competition to recognize outstanding achievements in energy efficiency.
To be eligible for the competition, projects and programs had to have occurred between June 1, 2017, and May 31, 2018, and had to demonstrate award-worthy attributes in one of three categories: energy savings (projects generating significant cost savings by reducing energy usage), innovation (projects that showcase new or groundbreaking technology) or community benefit (projects or programs that increased energy efficiency engagement in underserved communities, created jobs or training opportunities in the energy efficiency industry, or helped to launch or expand new energy efficiency businesses). The top organization in each category received $1,000. The overall winner received $10,000 to help fund an energy efficiency project.
The Sangamon County Department of Community Resources was named Energy Innovator of the Year—the overall winner—for its Good Faith Payment Assistance program as well as its Energy Savings class.
Through the Good Faith program, residential customers who had fallen behind on their utility bill were given two-thirds of the total amount required to make a “good faith” payment on their bill, which significantly reduced their payment requirement and helped them to avoid disconnection. In addition to having this immediate need addressed, residents were given the chance to enroll in a one-hour class to learn low-cost ways to save energy at home. The county department received the $10,000 award to expand these programs.
“Our Energy Innovator Award recipients represent the best of the best in energy efficiency in Illinois,” noted Ameren Illinois President Richard J. Mark. “These organizations have taken a proactive approach to energy efficiency and tailored their programs to meet the specific needs of their communities or their organizations. We’re pleased to recognize these progressive organizations for their work.”