(Gander, NL) –   Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (Hydro) and Newfoundland Power announced the winners of the takeCHARGE of Your Town energy efficiency initiative today at the Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador 2015 convention in Gander. The Town of Meadows and the Town of Port au Choix will each receive a $7,500 grant to make energy efficiency upgrades in municipal buildings.

The Town of Meadows plans to upgrade the heating and cooling systems along with lighting in its recreation centre and fire hall to increase the energy efficiency of both facilities. The Twin Towns Sports Complex in Port au Choix will upgrade the efficiency of the arena by adding controls on heaters and pumps. This will help the facility save both energy and money.

“These towns are taking positive measures toward a more energy efficient future,” said Elaine Cole, Energy Efficiency Advisor with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro. “In our homes, in schools, workplaces and businesses, we can all be more energy efficient. This is a great first step in terms of creating greater commitment to future energy efficient initiatives at a community level.”

takeCHARGE of Your Town began in 2010 to encourage municipalities and residents to reduce their energy use and to increase energy efficiency awareness. Over the past four years, takeCHARGE has awarded over $25,000 to cities and towns across the province.

This year, municipalities were invited to submit proposals that support their efforts to develop or improve energy efficiency in their facilities. Projects had to demonstrate a positive effort to conserve energy that benefits the entire community. Over 30 submissions were received from towns across Newfoundland and Labrador.

“Congratulations to the Town of Meadows and the Town of Port au Choix for their commitment to reducing their overall energy usage,” said Peter Upshall, Energy Management Engineer, Energy Conservation, Newfoundland Power. “Through the takeCHARGE of Your Town initiative, we are working closely with municipalities to reduce the energy they use every day. This reflects our continued effort to support customers, helping them save energy and manage our provincial resources.”

Stay tuned as we follow these towns through the renovation process with energy efficiency upgrades to be completed in 2015.

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takeCHARGE is a joint initiative between Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro that is aimed at providing Newfoundlanders and Labradorians with information, tools and programs to assist them in using energy wisely. It is intended to encourage consumers to take charge and take action in their own homes and businesses to reduce the energy they use and save money. For more information visit TakeChargeNL.ca.