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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 <br />COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">October 28, 2024</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: Matt Nestor
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />City of Columbia Utilities
<br />573.874.7307
<br />Matthew.Nestor@CoMo.gov</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">City of Columbia Utilities recognized as Smart Energy Provider</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - <p style="display:inline;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">City of Columbia Utilities has earned a Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for demonstrating a commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation and environmental initiatives that support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost and sustainable electric service.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The SEP designation, which lasts for three years (Dec. 1, 2024, to Nov. 30, 2027), recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines: smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and customer experience. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"City of Columbia Utilities is proud to be recognized for our smart energy best practices," said Todd McVicker, Utility Services manager. "The SEP designation represents our dedication to offering programs to keep our power affordable, support energy efficiency in our community and reduce our environmental impact."</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">City of Columbia Utilities joins more than 100 public power utilities nationwide that hold the SEP designation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Erin Miller, vice president of programs and sustainability at American Municipal Power Inc. and chair of the SEP review panel, presented the designations Oct. 28 in Louisville, Kentucky, during APPA’s annual Customer Connections Conference.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"SEP-designated utilities have demonstrated their leadership in smart energy programs and services," Miller said. "This designation celebrates utilities that are committed to serving their customers while taking the extra step to plan for the future. Communities served by utilities that have earned the SEP designation should be proud of their utility’s accomplishments."</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">City of Columbia Utilities promotes education, renewables and efficiency programs that help customers reduce electric and water consumption and save money on their utility bills. These initiatives help the City of Columbia provide clean, reliable and cost-effective service for all customers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For more information about the City's programs, visit </span><a style="white-space:nowrap" href="http://columbiapowerpartners.com"><span style="font-weight: 400;">ColumbiaPowerPartners.com</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 49 million people in 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. APPA advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations.</span></p></div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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