Energy Group Honors Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

CHICAGO, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (MEEA) honored the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) with its Chairman's Award at the sixth annual Inspiring Efficiency Awards gala last night.

The 2010 Inspiring Efficiency Chairman's Award is presented to a member organization that has provided exemplary leadership in energy efficiency and support to MEEA throughout the organization's history. DCEO, formerly the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, was one of the founding members of MEEA. The organization has served on MEEA's Board since its inception in 2000 and has provided oversight and strategic direction to help MEEA grow and flourish.

"The guidance provided by DCEO since MEEA's formation has been instrumental to the success and continued growth of the organization," said Wendy Jaehn, executive director for Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. "We're proud to recognize DCEO's commitment to energy efficiency and educating the community and businesses about energy efficiency and other important energy issues."

Throughout MEEA's existence, DCEO has consistently sponsored programs including:

• Change A Light, Change the World Campaign,
• Illinois Residential Lighting Program,
• Building Operator Certification Program,
• Lights for Learning™,
• Illinois Residential Market Assessment,
• Regional Refrigerator Rebate and Recycling Program,
• Double Your Savings with ENERGY STAR Clothes Washer Campaign,
• IL Energy Education Outreach Program,
• Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program Development, and
• American Reinvestment and Recovery Act ENERGY STAR appliance program.

Several of these programs served as the foundation for energy efficiency programs prior to the passage of the Illinois electric and natural gas energy efficiency resource standards. DCEO also was instrumental in supporting passage of electric and natural gas Energy Efficiency Program Sponsors (EEPS) in Illinois.

"DCEO is pleased to accept this award from MEEA, an organization that shares our commitment to demonstrating the economic and environmental benefits of energy efficiency and renewable energy through programs and services," said Agnes Mrozowski, Deputy Director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Energy and Recycling.  

DCEO's Office of Energy and Recycling promotes the efficient use of energy resources through a variety of technical and demonstration programs. The division also teaches residents, students, teachers, and community and business leaders about important energy issues through educational outreach and energy conservation programs.

About Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance – The Source on Energy Efficiency

The Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance (www.mwalliance.org) is a collaborative network advancing energy efficiency in the Midwest to support sustainable economic development and environmental preservation.  MEEA bridges the gap between policy adoption and program implementation.

MEEA promotes the market transformation of energy efficiency technologies, processes and best practices within a 13-state area, through policy advocacy, program design and facilitation and piloting of energy technologies. Energy efficiency is the critical first step in meeting our nation's myriad energy challenges due to low entry costs, proven and emerging technologies, ease of implementation, fast return on investment and measurable results.

Through our diverse network of members and regional allies, MEEA possesses the practical experience and informed vision to effect positive change today by supporting the region's stakeholders to achieve their efficiency goals for the future.

SOURCE Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance