The first Energy Smart Leader Awards were given April 23, 2009 at the Minnesota Chamber "Business Sustainability: It's Not Perception, It's Profitability" workshop. The 2009 award was given to two business that have demonstrated leadership in energy efficiency.
2009 Energy Smart Leaders:
MGM Liquor Warehouse (St. Peter, Minn.) will save 44,546 kilowatt hours per year, reducing its electric bill by $3,834 per year. With utility rebates, the upgrades will pay for themselves within one year. MGM Liquor Warehouse is served by St. Peter Municipal Utilities, a member of the Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency.
Geotek (Stewartville, Minn.) upgraded its air compressor last year to save 27,204 kilowatt hours and $2,754 annually. With all energy efficiency improvements implemented in the last decade, Geotek is estimated to save 282,959 kWh and $25,052 per year. Geotek is served by Alliant Energy.