Chamber of Commerce honors BWL for regional growth initiatives
The Lansing Board of Water & Light has been honored by the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce for its clean energy and energy efficiency initiatives, which contribute to economic growth in the region.
At an awards banquet today, the BWL was recognized for its energy leadership, with such projects as constructing and operating Michigan’s largest solar array, and being the first utility in the state to adopt a Renewable Portfolio Standard.
“As Michigan’s largest public utility, I believe we have a heightened responsibility to be good environmental stewards,” said BWL General Manager J. Peter Lark. “Moving forward, the BWL intends to remain in the forefront of acquiring renewable energy and delivering energy efficiency programs to our customers.”
This year, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored the BWL with an Energy Partner Award for its project with Granger to generate electricity from landfill gas. The BWL-Granger generation facility now powers more than 10,000 Lansing-area homes with this form of renewable energy.
The BWL was also the first utility in Michigan to roll out a comprehensive energy efficiency program. Our Hometown Energy Savers program gives customers free compact fluorescent bulbs, and offers rebates on Energy Star-rated light fixtures. Additionally, the BWL recycles old, inefficient refrigerators and freezers, and gives each participating customer a $30 check.
The BWL is one of seven companies or organizations to receive the Chamber’s Regional Growth award. All are recognized for sparking the region’s economic vitality through investments and programs that contribute to growth.
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