We are (officially) a Smart Energy Provider! This is an exciting award recognizing forward thinking public utility providers across the country. The American Public Power Association (APPA) awards the designation for utility providers that show a commitment to energy efficiency, advancements in energy generation and environmental protection. The Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation lasts two years (Dec. 1, 2021 to Nov. 30, 2023), we join more than 90 public power utilities nationwide that currently hold the SEP designation.
This designation is a testament to the work being done to provide reliable, safe and clean energy to our customers. “We are committed to supporting our community’s energy efficiency and sustainability through initiatives in our operations and partnering with our customer’s energy needs,” said Doug Bursnall, Senior Conservation Specialist. “This designation speaks to that commitment and helps us understand how far we have come and where we need to enhance our effort.”
What sets us apart?
APPA runs the selection process through a panel of industry leaders from public power providers nationwide. Applications go through a yearlong process before SEP designations are handed out at the end of October. While SEP designations are related to progressive electric goals, our application lead with a state-of-the-art water project that could improve energy efficiency.
Research and Development
The Direct Potable Reuse demonstration trailer is a collaboration with the Colorado School of Mines, Carollo Engineers and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. The mobile trailer demonstrates technology to reuse water. In the future, this practice could be an energy efficient way to serve water to our customers.
Smart Energy Goals
Our Energy Vision and Sustainable Energy Plan are robust goals that include reducing our carbon emissions at least 80% by 2030.
Education and Outreach on Energy Efficiency
We have outreach teams that spread our efficiency messaging at events and school demonstrations. You’ll find PSA reminders through TV, radio, billboard and print advertisements, but to make it easy we have a one stop efficiency shop that you can find here.
Savings Programs and Community Offerings
Residential
- Rebates and Incentives include smart electronic devices like thermostats to improve efficiency, home appliance rebates and even rebates for insulation.
- Electric Vehicle information and resources to State and Federal tax credits can be found on the electric vehicle webpage. There’s also a map to free public charging stations.
Business
- Our Peak Savings Program compensates businesses for their ability to reduce electric consumption when demands on our system are high, like hot summer days.
- Business Energy Audit helps businesses find ways to be more energy efficient like changing what type of light bulbs are used.
- Business Rebates include irrigation, lighting, HVAC and other savings when businesses upgrade to more efficient equipment.
Environmental and Sustainability Programs
- Green Power – this program allows customers to designate up to 100% of their monthly electric use to be generated by solar energy.
- Water-Wise – we offer tips for landscaping and rules to best conserve water in our community. We also offer video webinars for the green thumbs out there trying to improve their landscaping.
- Paperless Billing – sign up in “My Account” and cut on waste.
- Porcelain Recycling – watch this fun video to learn about another program cutting waste.
- Collaboration – we work with the City of Colorado Springs and other government entities to collaborate on construction projects to minimize community disturbance and cost.
- Smart City – We also collaborate with the City of Colorado Springs for our Smart City Strategy to build a smarter future for our community. This is the essence of being an APPA designated Smart Energy Provider.
These are just some of the highlights from our application for the SEP designation, find even more ways we help you and the community be smarter with energy on our website.
