September 25, 2024 – The Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) and the Energy Efficiency Alliance of New Jersey (EEA-NJ) announced their 2024 Energy Efficiency Champions last week at an awards ceremony at their annual policy conference, “Policy In Action.” These annual awards recognize one member business and one public servant from New Jersey and Pennsylvania, as well as one individual from either state, for their outstanding work advancing energy efficiency policy and creating impact that supports the mission and vision of KEEA and EEA-NJ.
“KEEA and EEA-NJ’s stellar 2024 Energy Efficiency Champions represent the ingenuity and dedication you’ll find throughout our states’ energy efficiency sector,” said Executive Director Jeaneen Zappa. “Employing over 36,000 in New Jersey and almost 70,000 in Pennsylvania, this industry helps our states cut energy costs, fight climate change, and create good, family-sustaining jobs. We’re proud to acknowledge the work these ‘Champions’ have done, work that aligns with KEEA and EEA-NJ’s mission to champion efficiency as the foundation of a clean, just, and resilient energy economy.”
MT Weatherization is KEEA’s 2024 Member Champion
MT Weatherization (www.mtbuildingservices.com) is KEEA’s 2024 Member Champion. A building services company with expertise in both commercial and residential spaces, MT is based in Harrisburg, PA but serves customers across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. In addition to helping their customers save money and energy with electrical, HVAC, and energy auditing work, MT is also a leader in developing the energy efficiency workforce: they’ve partnered with Penn State’s Clean Energy Center to host a training hub at their Harrisburg headquarters and have embraced apprenticeship and training opportunities such as working with Building Green Futures (www.pct.edu/business/clean-energy/building-green-futures) students and graduates. MT regularly appears on KEEA member calls to share input, and has made high-impact, in-person appearances at KEEA lobby days to meet with legislators and support the Whole-Home Repairs program.
Steve Widnick-Vazquez, Vice President at MT Weatherization, shared the following statement:
“MT is thrilled to accept this award from KEEA/EEA-NJ. It is without a doubt that this recognition highlights the dedication, hard work, and values of our amazing team. We’re honored to be chosen from among the other nominees and are committed to continuing to support our partners in the industry.”
Pictures of Matt Tenny, CEO and Founder of MT Weatherization, accepting their award:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/195943044@N07/54020826896/in/album-72177720320581770
https://www.flickr.com/photos/195943044@N07/54019929327/in/album-72177720320581770
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John Augustine is KEEA’s 2024 Public Servant Champion
KEEA’s 2024 Public Servant Champion is John Augustine, Administrative Director of the Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center (GJCTC). Mr. Augustine spearheaded a project to give the school its first major building and energy overhaul since the 1950’s, an endeavor that included extensive building envelope upgrades, HVAC work, and a four-acre solar array. Completed in 2023, the project’s combination of renewables and efficiency has made GJCTC the first educational institution in Western PA to be entirely solar-powered. Students were able to learn clean energy skills from contractors during the process. GJCTC’s energy overhaul, spearheaded by Augustine, shows what’s possible when energy efficiency and solar expertise (provided by KEEA member TEN) meet dedication.
John Augustine shared this statement:
“I am deeply honored to receive the ‘Outstanding Public Servant: PA Champion’ award from KEEA & EEA-NJ. This recognition is a testament to the power of education and collaboration in driving energy efficiency and sustainability in our communities. At Greater Johnstown Career & Technology Center, we’ve had the privilege of not only improving our facilities but also inspiring the next generation of energy professionals. Together, educators, school boards, and companies like TEN, we are building a future that is resilient, equitable, and environmentally responsible.”
Pictures of John Augustine accepting his award:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/195943044@N07/54019926597/in/album-72177720320581770
https://www.flickr.com/photos/195943044@N07/54019926577/in/album-72177720320581770
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Tri-State Light & Energy is EEA-NJ’s 2024 Member Champion
EEA-NJ’s 2024 Member Champion is Tri-State Light & Energy (TSLE, www.tsle.com). TSLE brings their lighting, HVAC, and full-building solution expertise to clients across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, specializing in commercial, industrial, and institutional markets. They were the BPU’s original energy efficiency implementation contractor, have worked in energy efficiency program implementation since 2009, and have successfully completed over 4,500 Direct Install projects saving customers over 987 kWh in New Jersey alone. CEO Tejas Desai, P.E., has sat on KEEA & EEA-NJ’s Board of Directors since 2022.
TSLE CEO Tejas Desai, PE, shared this statement:
“Receiving the Energy Champion Award means a lot to me and to the company. When I took over TSLE, my goal was to accelerate the transition to a full-scale energy engineering and program implementation firm so we could more successfully help NJ and PA businesses and communities experience the many benefits of energy efficiency and decarbonization. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished so far and look forward to our continued relationship with EEA-NJ & KEEA as we grow.”
Pictures of Tejas Desai accepting their award:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/195943044@N07/54019927722/in/album-72177720320581770
https://www.flickr.com/photos/195943044@N07/54021060793/in/album-72177720320581770
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/195943044@N07/54021273900/in/album-72177720320581770
Governor Phil Murphy is EEA-NJ’s 2024 Public Servant Champion
Throughout his tenure, Governor Murphy has consistently raised the bar, setting New Jersey on a path toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. One of his first executive orders directed New Jersey to rejoin the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), enabling the state to secure critical funding for energy efficiency and building decarbonization initiatives. Through the RGGI proceeds, New Jersey has launched innovative programs such as heat pump installations, the Whole-House Pilot Program, and substantial investments in growing the state’s energy efficiency workforce. In 2018, Governor Murphy’s leadership was further solidified with the passage of the Clean Energy Act. This landmark legislation has played a pivotal role in transforming New Jersey’s energy landscape, driving both innovation and significant reductions in energy usage. His 2023 executive orders established bold heat pump deployment targets and directed the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) to plan for the future of the state’s natural gas utilities, further cementing his vision for a decarbonized future.
Governor Murphy’s office shared the following statement:
“It is an honor to be named ‘Outstanding Public Servant: NJ Champion’ at this year’s KEEA & EEA-NJ Policy Conference. Our administration is proud of our nation-leading energy efficiency programs that reduce energy bills for our residents and businesses and propel New Jersey toward a clean energy future. I am grateful to Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance and the Energy Efficiency Alliance of New Jersey for their commitment to burgeoning an energy efficiency economy and creating a more sustainable Garden State for us all.”
Photos of Eric Miller, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy, accepting the award on Governor Murphy’s behalf:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/195943044@N07/54021272705/in/album-72177720320581770
https://www.flickr.com/photos/195943044@N07/54019927437/in/album-72177720320581770
Elizabeth Marx is KEEA & EEA-NJ’s 2024 Outstanding Individual in Energy Efficiency
Elizabeth “Liz” Marx, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project, is a formidable attorney and advocate whose work centers on energy justice—securing just and equitable access to safe and affordable utility services for Pennsylvanians experiencing poverty. She is a spirited force navigating an increasingly complex space to best serve those who are most in need. Through her leadership, the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP) has grown staff, increased the number of people assisted, and enhanced the ways they are able to assist. From direct client representation to expansive policy initiatives, she is helping shape the future of energy efficiency–and its affordability–for low-income Pennsylvanians. Her transformational leadership is helping make important shifts and gains to lift the disproportionate burden placed on those experiencing energy poverty, efforts that ultimately benefit all Pennsylvania residents.
Elizabeth Marx shared this statement:
“I am truly honored and humbled by the recognition of my colleagues as one of KEEA’s 2024 Energy Efficiency Champions! Working to achieve energy justice is not a job, it is a mission that requires the leadership, support, and recognition of our entire community. I am deeply grateful for my hardworking team at the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project, our fearless clients that power our work forward, and our community partners who stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us in this critical work. Together, we can solve energy poverty and make way for a just energy future that works for all.”
Photos of Elixabeth Marx accepting her award:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/195943044@N07/54021270055/in/album-72177720320581770
https://www.flickr.com/photos/195943044@N07/54021270785/in/album-72177720320581770
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About the Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance:
The Keystone Energy Efficiency Alliance (KEEA) is a 501(c)6 trade organization representing the interests of the energy efficiency industry in Pennsylvania. KEEA’s mission is to champion energy efficiency as the foundation of a clean, just, and resilient energy economy. They envision a world in which energy efficiency anchors all efforts to meet our ongoing energy needs, improve health and comfort, promote energy equity, and protect our climate.
About the Energy Efficiency Alliance of New Jersey:
The Energy Efficiency Alliance of New Jersey (EEA-NJ) is a 501(c)6 trade organization representing the interests of the energy efficiency industry in New Jersey. EEA-NJ’s mission is to champion energy efficiency as the foundation of a clean, just, and resilient energy economy. They envision a world in which energy efficiency anchors all efforts to meet our ongoing energy needs, improve health and comfort, promote energy equity, and protect our climate.
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