OUC in the news   Press/media contacts   Publication library   Knowledge Center   More about OUC		OUC News Release For Immediate Release   return to archive June 19, 2003 Paul Dillon   OUC Earns Energy Star Award Utility Honored For Outstanding Energy-Efficiency Work Orlando (June 19, 2003) – Energy Star, the federal program that helps individuals and businesses protect the environment through energy efficiency, has honored OUC—The Reliable One with its Outstanding Achievement Award. OUC earned the award for its residential energy-efficiency work in 2002. During the year, OUC designated 92 new homes as high-efficiency Energy Star homes. The utility conducts third-party testing on new homes to determine their energy-efficiency ratings and whether they qualify as Energy Star homes. "We work closely with builders to diagnose and enhance the energy efficiency of new construction," says Bob Haven, OUC's general manager & CEO. "These energy conservation measures are more important than ever, with fuel prices on the rise." Adds Haven: "We're pleased to be recognized by Energy Star for our role in protecting the environment while helping homeowners save energy and money." OUC conducts Energy Star testing as part of its OUC Gold Ring Home program. Under the Gold Ring Home program, OUC works with builders to develop new home designs that reflect the latest in energy and water efficiency. The resulting design modifications and appliance upgrades give homeowners comfort and convenience at the lowest possible utility cost. Energy Star was introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1992 as a voluntary, market-based partnership to reduce air pollution through increased energy efficiency. The program offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions to save energy, money and help protect the environment for future generations. OUC and more than 7,000 other organizations have become Energy Star partners and are committed to improving the energy efficiency of products, homes and businesses. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of Energy Star, saved enough energy to power 15 million homes and reduce the green house gas emissions equivalent to that of 14 million cars - all while saving consumers $7 billion. OUC—The Reliable One lives up to its name by providing the best record of electric reliability in the state of Florida and delivering high-quality, great-tasting drinking water to its customers. Established in 1923 and owned by the citizens of Orlando, OUC serves more than 190,000 customers in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties.