The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (SMMPA) and its 18 member municipal utilities with a 2016 Energy Star Partner of the Year — Energy Efficiency Program Delivery Award for their outstanding efforts to increase the adoption of energy-efficient products.

SMMPA and its Members’ accomplishments will be recognized at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C., on April 13.

An Energy Star partner since 2000, SMMPA and its members — which includes Austin Utilities — are being recognized for their active and successful promotion of Energy Star products to residential customers and continuous expansion of their portfolio to embrace new Energy Star measures and initiatives. SMMPA and its Members also received Energy Star awards in 2003, 2004, and 2010 for their leadership in energy efficiency.

“SMMPA and our Members truly value our partnership with Energy Star,” said John O’Neil, Manager of Energy Efficiency & Member Support Programs, in a press release. “It’s exciting to see the impact we and our Members have made through our promotion of Energy Star products, and we remain committed to helping our Members’ customers use energy wisely and protect the environment.”

The Energy Star Partner of the Year Award is given to states, utilities, and other organizations for sponsoring energy efficiency programs to improve the efficiency of products, homes, and buildings within their community or territory. Award winners are selected from more than 16,000 organizations that participate in the Energy Star program.

“As a leader in Energy Star program implementation, SMMPA and its Members are helping transform the energy efficiency market,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy in the release. “Using Energy Star resources, SMMPA and its Members are expanding access to energy-saving practices to grow the economy and protect the environment.”