June 6, 2016 – It was a big pat on the back from Natural Resources Canada for the 16 organizations that won the 2016 Energy Star Canada Awards, including the IESO, Hydro Ottawa, Manitoba Hydro and NB Power.

The awards recognize organizations that have demonstrated excellence in offering Canadian consumers the most energy-efficient products and technology available on the market. They are presented to manufacturers, retailers, utility providers, advocates, and new homebuilders that have shown leadership in manufacturing and promoting energy-efficient products.

Hydro Ottawa took home the award for Regional Utility of the Year, with CEO Bryce Conrad noting the utility is “constantly working to reach customers in innovative ways to share the benefits of conservation, whether it’s through our Energy Coach YouTube series or attending local workshops and events.”  He added, “this recognition is encouragement for us to continue to give energy efficiency a starring role.”

The IESO (Independent Electricity System Operator) won Recruit of the Year for encouraging energy conservation through consumer incentive programs and promotional campaigns such as its Save on Energy programs.

Manitoba Hydro also received an award, Utility of the Year—Provincial.

“I’d like to thank our employees who develop and promote our various Power Smart programs and our customers who have enthusiastically adopted them,” said the utility’s CEO Kevin Shepherd. “They are the reason we are being awarded for our efforts today.”

NB Powerʼs Smart Habits campaign—which helps consumers purchase products that are more energy efficient—is a double winner. It secured the award for Campaign of the Year—Social Media as well as Promotional Campaign of the Year.

“Both the promotional campaign and social media strategy have helped the program exceed its targets. The campaign slogan reflects our message to customers, ʻwhy pay for electricity you donʼt need’,” said NB Power president and CEO Gaëtan Thomas.

Congratulations are also in order for the Home Depot Canada (Retailer of the Year—National), LG Electronics for Manufacturer of the Year—Heating and Cooling Equipment, and L’Image Home Products Inc. for Manufacturer of the Year—Lighting.

Additionally, Enbridge Gas Distribution won Partner of the Year in the Energy Star Awards for New Homes.