LANSING, Mich., July 14, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Odawa Casino Resort (Petoskey) and Miller Family Farm (Carney) —two Michigan businesses that completed large-scale energy efficiency improvements with the help of the Energy Optimization program—were selected as finalists for the 2016 Governor's Energy Excellence Awards.

Now in its second year, the Governor's Energy Excellence Awards honors Michigan organizations and individuals for outstanding achievement in reducing energy waste. Nominations were spread across eight different categories in order to showcase exceptional commitment to responsible energy production and consumption across a variety of project types.

Odawa Casino Resort, located in Petoskey, Michigan, completed a number of efficiency improvements by engaging employees in a company-wide grassroots movement to save energy. After a massive upgrade to LED lighting, improvements in IT infrastructure, and installation of variable speed pumps, the resort had reduced its annual electricity consumption by more than 1.3 million kWh by the end of 2015. Odawa Casino Resort, which receives electric service from Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, was named a Finalist in the "Best Project—Commercial/Private" category.

Miller Family Farm, established in 2013 in Carney, is a family-owned and operated vegetable farm specializing in aquaponics. This method of farming is a sustainable, organic means of growing produce year-round, free of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers—using a fraction of the water expended in traditional field growing methods. After upgrading to high-efficiency LED grow lights in their greenhouse, Miller Family Farm expects to save more than 80,000 kWh of electricity annually. The farm, which receives electric service from Alger Delta Cooperative Electric Association, is a Finalist in the "Best Project—Agriculture" category.

"We are incredibly proud of the energy-saving projects completed at Odawa Casino Resort and Miller Family Farm," said Art Thayer, Director of Energy Efficiency Programs for the Michigan Electric Cooperative Association (MECA). "The Energy Optimization program exists to improve Michigan homes, farms, and businesses by providing cash incentives toward the purchase of energy-efficient products and equipment. We're happy to see these businesses reap the rewards of these smart investments now and into the future."

Other Energy Optimization program participants nominated for the Governor's Energy Excellence Awards include Coveyou Scenic Farm Market (Petoskey), Peterson Farms (Shelby), and Tecumseh High School (Tecumseh).

For more information about the Governor's Energy Excellence Awards, visit mienergyexcellence.org.

About the Energy Optimization Program
The Energy Optimization Program provides incentives to Michigan businesses and homeowners to reward the purchase of ENERGY STAR^® or energy-efficient appliances or equipment. For more information about the Energy Optimization program, call 877.296.4319 or visit michigan-energy.org.

Participating utilities: Alger Delta Electric, Cloverland Electric Cooperative, City of Escanaba, City of South Haven, City of Stephenson, Daggett Electric, Great Lakes Energy Cooperative, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative, Marquette Board of Light & Power, Midwest Energy Cooperative, Newberry Water & Light Board, Ontonagon County REA, and Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op.

Contact:
Lisa Lancaster
Energy Optimization Program
608.729.6898
media@michigan-energy.org  

SOURCE Energy Optimization Program

Related Links

http://www.michigan-energy.org/