(September 30, 2008) The California Chamber of Commerce is encouraging companies and organizations that are taking steps to reduce energy use to share their stories by applying for the 6th annual Flex Your Power Awards before the October 10 deadline.

Established in 2001 as a response to California’s 2001-02 energy crisis, Flex Your Power is California’s statewide energy efficiency marketing and outreach campaign. The campaign is a partnership of the state’s utilities, businesses, government entities, non-profit organizations and private citizens.

About the Awards

Cumulatively, award winners over the last two years have saved more than $172 million and 1 billion kilowatt hours, as well as reduced greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing more than 80,000 cars from the road, according to the Flex Your Power website.

The judging process relies on the expertise of an impartial panel of energy- and water-use efficiency experts. California's top organizational directors, commission chairs, legislators and researchers are among the judges.

Winners and honorable mentions will receive congratulatory advertising on relevant websites and online publications, in addition to receiving their awards at an awards ceremony.

Thirteen CalChamber members were among the recipients of the 5th annual Flex Your Power Awards, and were represented in each of the five categories for entities that help conserve energy.

Awards Categories

1. Energy Efficiency — Efforts to reduce total energy (electricity and/or natural gas) consumption through the installation of energy-efficient equipment, lighting and appliances or through the completion of energy-efficient building retrofits or new construction projects.
2. Media and Education — Educational efforts or media coverage that has had a positive impact on energy efficiency and/or demand response activities.
3. Innovative Products and/or Services — Innovative products or services designed to help businesses or residents save energy. This includes manufacturing, and retailer promotions, as well as vendor, contractor and consultant programs.
4. Peak Demand Response — Efforts to reduce electricity use during certain times of the day – at "peak" – by shedding or shifting demand.
5. Water Conservation/Efficiency — Efforts to conserve water through conservation, water recycling and other efforts. Conserving water also conserves energy as 19 percent of California's electricity goes to pumping, moving and treating water.

More Information

To learn more about the Flex Your Power program, visit www.fypower.org.