SEPA announces Austin Energy as 2018 Public Power Utility of the Year

Austin Energy was recognized this week with the Smart Electric Power Alliance’s (SEPA) 2018 Power Players Public Power Utility of the Year Award.

The awards highlight those aiding transitions to cleaner energy, as chosen by an independent panel of judges and hosted by SEPA. Award-winners are then recognized at a July summit in Washington, D.C. Austin Energy took home the award this year for leadership in the renewable energy sphere, with programs such as the SHINES program, which worked to combine solar and energy battery storage and the organization’s community solar program.

“Innovation is part of the foundation upon which we are built,” Austin Energy General Manager Jackie Sargent said. “We are always looking for creative solutions that deliver better service and make Austin a more livable city, and we are proud to be recognized for that innovation.”

In addition to the award, Austin Energy also received recognition and accolades from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office. That department put up $4.3 million to Austin Energy in 2016 for researching solar and storage solutions, which now appear to be paying off.

“Our office continues to be impressed by the Austin Energy team’s innovation,” Charlie Gay, director of the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office, said. “They have created a proof of concept and built momentum for utility-scale integration of solar and storage systems. Exciting progress has been made, and we look forward to seeing more results of their work.”