[Press Release] : Columbia Water and Light receives System Achievement Award

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

You have received this message because you subscribe to the City of
Columbia’s Web Mail service. To view linked material click on provided
links or copy and paste them into your browser's address menu.
______________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2007

CONTACT: Dan Dasho, Director
Connie Kacprowicz, Public Information Specialist
(573) 774-7325

Columbia Water and Light receives System Achievement
Award		
							
	(COLUMBIA, MO) - The Missouri Public Utility Alliance recently
bestowed Columbia Water and Light with the System Achievement Award for
demonstrating a commitment to addressing community needs. The award was
established to highlight community service as an important element of
traditional utility service. Columbia Water and Light serves the
community by offering conservation programs, being an active Partner in
Education member and is committed to protecting the environment through
renewable energy projects. Columbia Water and Light will be recognized
for the achievement at the Jan. 16 City Council meeting.
	Columbia Water and Light started conservation programs in 1979
to reduce customers’ bills and lower the amount of energy the utility
needs to supply. The programs range from free audits, which give
customers customized conservation tips, to low-interest loans for energy
efficiency improvements. Innovative programs like Tree Power reduce air
conditioning needs by providing free shade trees to customers. By
lowering electric demand the utility reduces the amount of energy needed
in Columbia which helps keep overhead costs low and keeps electric rates
in check.
	Teaching young Columbians about responsible use of energy
resources has been a priority for Columbia Water and Light for over 20
years. The annual calendar contest with local junior high art students
was started in 1982. The program showcases young artists and keeps
conservation messages in front of Columbians throughout the year. The
Energy Challenge and the Saturday Science programs teach the
fundamentals of energy production and conservation. After going through
their course work, students have a greater understanding on how their
consumption impacts the environment and how to effectively conserve. The
Partners in Education programs help students become efficient citizens
of the community for years to come. 
	Columbia Water and Light was the first utility in Missouri to
have a renewable energy mandate. The utility has started a bio-gas
project at the municipal landfill and has an agreement to purchase wind
energy from the first wind farm in Missouri.  Columbia Water and Light
also hosts an annual Advancing Renewable Energy in the Midwest
conference. The first conference in 2006 was attended by 200 people from
across the state.
	Columbia Water and Light is a member of the Missouri Public
Utility Alliance who bestowed the System Achievement award. The group
represents community-owned electric, natural gas and water utilities
that work together for the benefit of their customers. The Missouri
Public Utility Alliance represents 118 municipal utilities in Missouri.
The organization includes three organizations: the Missouri Association
of Municipal Utilities, the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility
Commission and the Municipal Gas Commission of Missouri.

- 30 -
______________________________________________________

Archived press releases can be viewed online at: 
http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Public_Comm/Public_Information/Press_Releases/

______________________________________________________

If you would like to stop receiving messages, modify list options, or
subscribe to other lists visit the Web Mail section of our Web site and
follow the instructions provided. 

http://www.gocolumbiamo.com/Web_Mail/index.php