NAPERVILLE, Ill. – The City of Naperville Electric Utility has earned its first Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association (APPA). This two-year award recognizes the Utility for demonstrating commitment and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation and environmental initiatives, all of which support the goal of providing safe, reliable, low-cost and sustainable electric service.

Matt Hein, chairman of the APPA’s Energy Innovation Committee and Energy Services Manager of Cedar Falls Utilities in Cedar Falls, Iowa, presented this year’s SEP designations today in Scottsdale, Arizona, during the APPA’s annual Customer Connections Conference.

The SEP designation recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines: Smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and customer experience. This is the first time the Naperville Electric Utility has received the award.

“Utilities that earn the SEP designations are going the extra mile – beyond providing electricity for their communities,” Hein said. “This designation celebrates utilities that are committed to serving their customers with leading smart energy programs and energy services. These communities should be proud that their utilities are focused on providing excellent service, while planning for the future.”

The SEP recognition lasts for two years, beginning Dec. 1, 2021, and running through Nov. 30, 2023. The Naperville Electric Utility joins more than 90 public power utilities nationwide that hold this designation.

“We are proud to be recognized as a utility at the forefront of smart energy best practices,” said Brian Groth, Director of the Naperville Electric Utility. “This SEP designation represents our dedication to offering programs that help our customers save money, reduce our collective environmental impact and support our community’s responsible energy use.”

For more information on the City of Naperville Electric Utility, visit www.naperville.il.us/electric.