Danville Utilities has been recognized as a bronze medal award winner in the 2024 Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards. The awards ceremony, held earlier this month at the Environment Virginia Symposium, celebrated successful and innovative efforts to improve Virginia’s environment.
Twelve gold, silver and bronze medal awards were presented. The recipients represented a broad range of sectors, including manufacturers, industry, non-profits, higher education and government entities, all with a common goal of leaving a positive impact on the Commonwealth’s environment.
“The Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards recognize Virginia’s environmental leaders,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The programs and projects implemented by those recognized demonstrate that balanced economic development and the protection of our environment go hand in hand.”
These annual awards are sponsored by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Danville Utilities was specifically acknowledged for its Energy Efficiency Grant Program, implemented through the American Rescue Plan Act, and the Danville Utilities Home$ave Rebate Program.
“We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition from the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Awards,” said Jason Grey, director of Danville Utilities. “Our Energy Efficiency Grant Program and Home$ave Rebate Program are initiatives that deliver tangible benefits. Both the utility and customers benefit from system-wide energy efficiency.”
With improved customer energy efficiency, the utility can lower its operating and supply needs because of reductions in overall energy demands, which benefits the environment and saves customers money.
The Home$ave Rebate Program incentivizes homeowners to invest in energy-efficient equipment, offering rebates for a wide range of qualifying products, including refrigerators, water heaters, windows, insulation, and electric vehicle chargers.
Since its inception in 2014, the Home$ave Rebate Program has empowered 2,185 customers to save a total of approximately 9,500,000 Kilowatt-hours, equivalent to the annual energy use for almost 850 homes.
Participants can receive rebates for various equipment, including refrigerators, water heaters, windows, insulation, washing machines, dryers, ranges, and electric vehicle chargers. After purchasing qualifying equipment or performing tune-up services, homeowners submit rebate applications, and upon successful review, they receive cash rebates in the form of checks.
Building upon the success of the Home$ave program, Danville Utilities launched the Energy Efficiency Grant Program, leveraging $1 million dollars from the American Rescue Plan Act to provide essential HVAC equipment and insulation to those most in need. Through strategic partnerships with organizations like the Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (DRHA) and Social Services, Danville Utilities identified eligible recipients and facilitated the completion of 57 home efficiency projects.
In the first year alone, the Energy Efficiency Grant Program reduced the energy use of 20 homes by 134,314 kWh. The program benefits customers by lowering their utility bills and helps Danville Utilities by curbing demand on the electrical grid and conserving natural resources.