Energy Conservation Awards

Celebrating outstanding Cities and individuals for their efforts in energy conservation.

The 4th Annual TCAP Energy Conservation Awards is open. There is no time period limitation on the project itself. This is TCAP’s opportunity to award our members who have done energy conservation projects that others can duplicate.

Applications are due August 9th.

Past winners

2023 • City of Sugar Land

Through meticulous research and strategic planning, Sugar Land embarked on a path that would not only help its organization save money but also set an inspiring example for others to follow. Sugar Land knew if you did not know how you were using energy, you don’t know how to save it.

The City of Sugar Land’s partnership with Enel X marked the initiation of its energy conservation
efforts. This forward-thinking approach paved the way for significant advancements in energy
management. As the journey progressed, Sugar Land’s determination to expand its impact led to collaboration with two more key partners: CenterPoint and Voltus.

In a testament to their commitment, all programs were fully operational by 2022 and 2023.
The implementation was not just about execution; it was about thoroughly tracking and capturing data to measure the tangible impact of these initiatives. By judiciously managing energy demand during peak periods, the City of Sugar Land not only reduced strain on the grid but also realized substantial financial savings. The numbers speak for themselves: an astonishing $60,000 was saved in the very first year alone!

Sugar Land’s accomplishment in energy conservation extends beyond fiscal gains. It serves as
a model for municipalities across the state and beyond, illustrating the transformative power of
collaboration, innovation, and unwavering dedication to sustainable practices.

2022 • City of Fate

"In a joint effort by the Cities of Fate and Corinth, the Cities are the first organizations to be involved in the Texas Solar Switch Program. The program organizes group purchasing of residential solar panels to help homeowners receive significantly discounted prices for solar panel installations. As growth continues to occur, the program also helps take pressure off electric companies and our power grids because individuals may switch to solar power."

2022 • Michael Kovacs, City Manager, City of Fate

Michael is a great leader and an inspiring example. He is always looking for ways to innovate and improve. He cares about the people he works with and lets them pursue ideas and projects that will benefit the community as a whole. When the City of Fate was offered the chance to be a pilot program city for the "Texas Power Switch" program, Michael not only said yes to the opportunity, but also led the charge to implement the project. Since 2017, that program has now grown to over 20 participating municipalities and has helped many citizens as a result.

Mr. Kovacs was also one of the first city managers to pursue using the "Texas Solar Switch" program to motivate more communities to try solar power and a more sustainable energy source. Of one of three cities in Texas participating in the program, the City of Fate is trying to be a good example of innovation and sustainability. We hope that more cities will join the effort and pgroam.

Michael is a strong supporter of connected cities with walkable trails and paths and less CO2 emissions. Although sometimes reducing the number of vehicles is difficult due to convenience, one of Michael's goals is to create ways for the citizens of Fate to enjoy their city through more environmentally friendly means (i.e. bikes, scooters, or on foot). I, and many other Fate employees, are proud to nominate Michael Kovacs for this award and hope he is recognized for his outstanding efforts.

2021 • City of Euless

Energy conservation efforts are nothing new to the City of Euless over the years they have made great efforts to upgrade their indoor and outdoor light structures to a more energy efficient option. During the recent remodeling of their 30,000 sq. ft. library, they decided to transition to a full LED lighting system with master controlled/set time features. This feature allows the city to automate their lighting system to turn on and off when desired. Along with updating the library’s lighting system, it was also insulated to reduce energy usage. Additionally, their HVAC system was installed utilizing automated controls with scheduled features and occupancy load controls. Installing the scheduled features allow the Facility Director to remotely program various sections of the building to come on when reserved for use. The project began December 2019 and was completed January 2021, with a total cost of $6.4M. The city’s library was built in the 90s, a time in which energy conservation was not a priority of building construction. Looking forward, the City of Euless is planning to remodel their police department. In future government structure planning all buildings will include energy conservation strategies.

Nominate Your Organization

Nominate an Individual

Nominate a Video

This award will be presented to the TCAP Member deemed to have made the most significant and measurable impact through a program, campaign, or strategy to reduce their organization’s energy consumption. Awards will be presented for each member category - small, medium and large.

Name

First Last

City/Organization(Required)

Email(Required)

Why should this project be considered?(Required)

Please describe the initiative to be considered. Including discussion of the major components of the program such as the appointment of an energy manager, development of an energy policy, establishment of energy goals, tracking of energy use, benchmarking of energy perfor- mance, impact of the project (e.g. kWh saved, % reduction in facility’s energy consumption) and major outcomes that have been notable in regard to environmental protection, emission reduction, renewable energy, and/or energy resource efficiency.

Project start date

Project completion date

Project cost

How was the project funded?

Project budget savings

Projects including a technology component:

Please describe the technology applied, as well as the costs and economic benefits.

Projects including a social component:

Please describe the approach that you have chosen as well as the social impact of your measures had on which target groups.

Describe the potential for your project to be replicated by others

This award will be presented to the individual deemed to have made the most significant and measurable impact through a program, campaign, or strategy to reduce their city’s, state’s, region’s, or organization’s energy consumption.

Person being nominated(Required)

First Last

Their Organization(Required)

Reason they should be considered(Required)

Please describe the reasons why you consider your nominee a leader for energy efficiency in their community or organization and cite specific examples of the work they performed and its outcomes.

Your Information

Your Name(Required)

First Last

Your Email(Required)

Your Phone

Your Title

Your Organization

Your Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

TCAP will again be sponsoring the Energy Conservation Video award as part of the Texas Association of Telecommunication Officers and Advisors (TATOA). This 23-year awards program will have a category this year, sponsored by TCAP, for any videos produced by a political subdivision on energy conservation. This category is free to enter and you do not have to be a member of TATOA to qualify. Last year’s award winner of this award was the City of Bryan with TCAP member Hidalgo County receiving second place.

Submit at TATOA's website