Minnesota Power (Duluth, Michigan) has been honored for “Regional, State and Community Leadership in Energy Efficiency” by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

The award, part of the federal agencies' ENERGY STAR program, was presented in ceremonies on March 2, 2004, in Washington, D.C. Representing Minnesota Power were George Agriesti, senior marketing analyst, and Tim Gallagher, customer service representative. The two were key to the success of the utility's efforts to promote ENERGY STAR in Northeastern Minnesota.

ENERGY STAR is intended to encourage consumers to look for electrical products meeting the DOE's and EPA's standards for energy efficiency. Since initiating the regional program in 2002, Minnesota Power has offered rebates on qualifying clothes washers, dishwashers, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, room air conditioners and compact fluorescent bulbs. The company has established partnerships with more than 120 retailers throughout its service territory to establish a retail presence for ENERGY STAR.

Using EPA and DOE standards, Minnesota Power estimates its customers have saved 19,757,757 kWh of electricity since the program was begun.

Agriesti believes the national award validates Minnesota Power's “market transformation” strategy for ENERGY STAR, explaining that the term describes a market in which consumers continue to demand energy-efficient goods even after initial incentives, such as rebates, are no longer offered. He said it is created through teamwork with manufacturers and local retailers, and by investing in broad multi-level efforts through advertising and promotional campaigns to foster awareness and ensure the availability of the products.
Circle 153 on Reader Service Card or visit freeproductinfo.net/tdw