SmartPower & National Grid Win EPA Excellence Award

Rhode Island Energy Challenge: “Find Your Four” Campaign Honored

WASHINGTON – PROVIDENCE, R.I. – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will recognize National Grid and SmartPower for their innovative work on clean air and climate with the 2016 Clean Air Excellence Award. The Clean Air Excellence Awards are given to state, local, tribal, and private sector programs that educate the public in improving air quality or reducing harmful air pollutants or greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.

This year the EPA Announced 7 Clean Air Excellence Awards in six categories (1) Education and Outreach; (2) Clean Air Technology; (3) Community Action; (4) Regulatory and Policy Innovation; (5) Transportation and Energy Innovation; (6) The Thomas W. Zosel Individual Award.

​National Grid and SmartPower have been awarded in the Education and Outreach category for The Rhode Island Energy Challenge: Find Your Four! Campaign. The grassroots energy efficiency campaign encouraged customers across Rhode Island to ‘find four’ simple energy reductions they can undertake in their homes or businesses. Consumer knowledge on the need to reduce energy consumption and associating greenhouse gas emissions saw a demonstrated increase, with 90 percent of participating homeowners taking at least one energy reduction effort, and 75 percent of participating homeowners indicating improved understanding of their energy use.

“Each of these award winners has taken real, tangible steps to improve public health in their communities by reducing air pollutants or greenhouse gases,” said Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “These projects reflect the creativity and commitment of public and private sector organizations to make a difference and drive us toward a cleaner, healthier future.”

“The Rhode Island Energy Challenge is the embodiment of our motto – ‘Here with you. Here for you,’” said Timothy F. Horan, President of National Grid of Rhode Island. “And working with SmartPower we’ve been able to connect and work with cities and towns throughout the state to save energy.”

“It’s a huge honor to share this award with National Grid,” said Brian F. Keane, President of SmartPower. “Clean Air Excellence isn’t simply an award – it’s a way of life that we need to ensure for all Americans. And it’s clear that National Grid, the state of Rhode Island and ‘Find Your Four’ are leading the way!”

The Clean Air Excellence awards program was established in 2000, and recognizes individuals that serve as pioneers in their fields, advance public understanding of air pollution and improve air quality. Entries are judged by the EPA and the Clean Air Advisory Committee, and winners will be recognized later today at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.
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View the original Press Release HERE!