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Secretary of State Phil Wilson Presents Save Energy Now Awards to Fifteen Texas Plants

For Immediate Release
April 9, 2008
Contact: Scott Haywood or Ashley Burton
512/ 463-5770
Secretary of State Phil Wilson Presents Save Energy Now Awards to Fifteen Texas Plants
Secretary of State Phil Wilson Presents Save Energy
Now
Awards to Fifteen Texas Plants..

HOUSTON – Secretary Phil Wilson joined Texas Industries of the Future, a project of the University of Texas at Austin’s Cockrell School of Engineering to honor 15 Texas companies for their efforts in energy efficiency as part of the Save Energy Now program, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). 

Award recipients participated in an energy assessment, conducted by DOE to determine new ways to reduce energy consumption and costs.  The 15 sites saved a combined 1.1 trillion Btus per year through this exercise.  Twelve were classified as “Savers,” meaning they saved greater than 7.5% of their total energy of 75,000 million Btus; three were designated as “Champions,” saving greater than 15% of their total energy or 250,000 million Btus.

“As the nation’s top producer and consumer of energy, there is no question that energy plays an important role in the Texas economy,” stated Wilson.  “As we look to the future, it is important that we take proactive steps in energy efficiency today to ensure that our energy demands will be met tomorrow.”

Participants came from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from food processing to medical appliances and newspaper printing to the chemical sector.  Plants were recruited for the assessments by Texas Industries of the Future, which expressed desire to continue partnering with DOE.

“The Save Energy Now program provides businesses with a practical way to play an important role in energy-saving activities,” Wilson added.  “Today’s awardees have set a strong example for their competitors to follow and will continue to contribute great things to The Lone Star State.”
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