BC Hydro has recognized 27 business and organization leaders for their efforts to reduce their organization's power consumption with its annual Power Smart Excellence Awards.
BC Hydro has handed out seven Power Smart Leader awards to:
- Cadillac Fairview;
- Canfor Pulp Limited Partnership;
- Fraser Health Authority;
- Gorman Bros. Lumber Ltd.;
- Surrey School District;
- Vancouver Island Health Authority; and
- Whistler Blackcomb.
In other categories, John Cockburn, director with the office of energy efficiency at Natural Resources Canada, was given the Larry Bell Award for his efforts to promote energy conservation in B.C., while ICBC received the Energy Conservation Commitment Award for the commercial and industrial sector for its long-term integrated energy management plans.
Jerry Wyshnowsky of Thrifty Foods received the energy manager award. West Fraser Mills Ltd. and the Richmond School District won in the New Construction and New Technology category.
The BC Non-Profit Housing Association received the Conservation Partner Award for its partnership with BC Hydro in promoting energy conservation.
Philips Lighting won the Consumer Product Manufacturer award category for leadership and innovation in the field of energy-efficient products.
London Drugs Limited and the Home Depot of Canada Inc. received the Regional Retailer and National Retailer Awards, respectively.
Since 2008, Power Smart has saved enough electricity to power 309,000 B.C. homes, according to BC Hydro.
Rich Coleman, minister of energy and mines, said, "These Power Smart leaders are showing British Columbians how they can save energy and lower their monthly bills.
"Over the past five years, BC Hydro's customers have saved $600 million on their electricity bills through Power Smart energy conservation."
