Xcel Energy named ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) MINNEAPOLIS - May 12, 2011 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized Xcel Energy with a 2011 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award for its outstanding contributions to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by delivering information and services to its customers to increase energy efficiency. Xcel Energy’s accomplishments were recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

“Xcel Energy is a leader in showing its customers how they can help protect our environment while saving energy and money,” said Elizabeth Craig, Acting Director of EPA’s Office of Atmospheric Programs. “Xcel Energy’s creative solutions are a model for fighting climate change through greater energy efficiency. We look to these winners to provide us energy efficiency leadership now and in the years to come.”

 Xcel Energy, an ENERGY STAR partner since 2001, was honored for its work to increase market share of energy-efficient ENERGY STAR qualified homes through comprehensive outreach, education, and marketing programs. The ENERGY STAR Homes program helps home builders to construct homes that are up to 30 percent more energy efficient by offering free education, home on-site inspections and testing, infrared scanning and incentives. 

Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, prevented 170 million metric tons of GHG emissions in 2010 alone--equivalent to the annual emissions from 34 million vehicles -and saved $18 billion on their utility bills. 

“Xcel Energy is proud of our partnership with ENERGY STAR and our contribution to increasing energy efficiency,” said Kim Sherman, Xcel Energy Product Portfolio Manager. “We see great value in educating our customers about how the use of ENERGY STAR Homes can save money and energy while reducing the impact on the environment.” 

The ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year Awards are given to a variety of organizations to recognize their efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce pollution, resulting in significant cost savings. Award winners are selected from more than 12,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program. 

About ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through increased energy efficiency. Today, ENERGY STAR offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. More than 12,000 organizations are ENERGY STAR partners committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes, buildings and businesses. For more information about ENERGY STAR, visit www.energystar.gov or call toll-free 1-888-782-7937.

About Xcel Energy

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 3.4 million electricity customers and 1.9 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. Xcel Energy’s headquarters are located in Minneapolis.

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