The Community Impact Award recognizes a city, town or municipality in Newfoundland and Labrador that has excelled in energy efficiency as demonstrated through activities such as campaigns, promotions, project or building development and energy management. Examples of initiatives include, but are not limited to: completing energy-efficient building upgrades; assisting residents in adopting energy-efficient technology; and, educating residents on energy-efficient tips through a social media campaign.
Recognizing Our Province’s Energy Efficiency Stars
Town halls are installing LED lights. Department stores are upgrading their heating and cooling systems. Individuals all over the province are taking brilliant steps to use energy wisely. Here at takeCHARGE, we believe that deserves to be celebrated! The Luminary Awards recognize companies, organizations, communities, and individuals all across Newfoundland and Labrador who are taking brilliant steps to use energy wisely – and inspiring others to do the same.
We are now accepting nominations for our 2023 Luminary Awards.
Nominate someone (or even yourself!) and help us shine a light on projects and achievements in energy efficiency. We’ll share stories on social media, and recognize winners at our exciting awards ceremony.
Eight Awards for Energy Efficiency
The Luminary Awards celebrates individuals, organizations, and communities who are shining examples in these eight categories:
Community Impact AwardCommunity Impact Award
Leadership Award – IndividualLeadership Award – Individual
The Leadership Award (Individual) recognizes an individual’s leadership, contribution and impact on energy efficiency in a city, town or municipality or community organization in Newfoundland and Labrador. Leadership would be demonstrated through organization of, or participation in, energy-efficient activities, campaigns or projects. Examples of initiatives include, but are not limited to: being an energy-efficiency ambassador in your community, school or workplace; promoting or installing energy-efficient technology; and, educating others on energy-efficiency.
Leadership Award - OrganizationLeadership Award - Organization
The Leadership Award (Organization) recognizes an establishment’s leadership and commitment to energy efficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador through activities such as planning, project development, energy management and employee engagement. Examples of initiatives include, but are not limited to: completing energy-efficient building upgrades; assisting employees or customers in adopting energy-efficient technology; and, educating employees and/or customers on energy efficiency.
Innovation AwardInnovation Award
The Innovation Award recognizes a business, organization or not-for-profit whose innovative energy efficiency project or service resulted in energy savings. Nominations are not required for this award; the winner will be selected among program partners.
Partnership AwardPartnership Award
The Partnership Award recognizes the outstanding delivery of energy efficiency solutions, services or education by an organization, individual or not-for-profit. Nominations are not required for this award; the winner will be selected among program partners.
Retail Partnership AwardRetail Partnership Award
The Retail Partnership Award recognizes the outstanding delivery of energy efficiency solutions, services, products or education to residential customers by a retailer in Newfoundland and Labrador. Nominations are not required for this award; the winner will be selected among program partners.
Electric Vehicle Awareness AwardElectric Vehicle Awareness Award
The Electric Vehicle Awareness Award recognizes an individual, business, organization or not-for-profit, who has demonstrated leadership in the area of electric vehicle awareness in a city, town, municipality or community organization in Newfoundland and Labrador. Leadership is demonstrated through EV awareness activities, campaigns or projects. Examples of initiatives include, but are not limited to: hosting EV webinars; planning EV events; and, installing EV chargers.
BIG AwardBIG Award
The BIG Award recognizes a participant of the takeCHARGE Business Efficiency Program that, through energy efficient upgrades, has seen the most significant increase in their energy savings. Nominations are not required for this award; the winner will be selected among program participants.
Award Winners 2022
Community Impact
Community Impact
Innovation Award
Innovation Award
Partnership Award
Partnership Award
Leadership Award - Individual
Leadership Award - Individual
Leadership in Conservation and Electrification Award - Utility Employee
Leadership in Conservation and Electrification Award - Utility Employee
Retail Partnership Award
Retail Partnership Award
Electric Vehicle Awareness Award
Electric Vehicle Awareness Award
Leadership Award - Organization
Leadership Award - Organization
Big Award
Big Award
AWARD CATEGORY:
Community Impact
The Town of Bauline
The Town of Bauline believes in making energy efficiency a priority. They have been recognized as a provincial leader for their outstanding commitment and leadership in energy efficiency. The Town of Bauline developed a Community Climate Action Plan and Green Energy Strategy, including Residential Energy Efficiency and EV Fleet programs. They promote energy efficiency through community events such as their annual Climate Action Day, where they partner with takeCHARGE and other sustainability groups to encourage efficient habits and educate residents. Congratulations to The Town of Bauline for taking brilliant steps to use energy wisely – and inspiring others to do the same.
AWARD CATEGORY:
Community Impact
The Town of Port au Choix
The Town of Port au Choix has been working hard to make its municipal buildings and operations more energy efficient. The Town worked with takeCHARGE through our Business Efficiency Program to complete energy efficiency upgrades in their town office, and they will soon install heat pumps in their fire department and garage. They have participated in our Make the Switch Bulb Giveaway, and supported the Great Northern Peninsula community centre upgrades that are being done through our Town Challenge program. They are also working on installing EV chargers at their Town Hall, a crucial step in helping EVs grow in our province. The Town of Port au Choix fosters a spirit of energy efficiency and electrification in their town – one that we hope will spread across the province.
AWARD CATEGORY:
Innovation Award
Transfer Energy
Transfer Energy specializes in connecting residential and commercial customers to energy efficiency groups in Newfoundland and Labrador. Their team uses innovative technology to transform how customers use and save energy. They air seal homes and commercial buildings using AeroBarrier and use Aeroseal to air seal duct work. Alongside local builders and developers (both commercial and residential), Transfer Energy ensures that residents and businesses of our province have a greener, more efficient future. takeCHARGE is happy to shine a light on this innovative approach to energy efficiency!
AWARD CATEGORY:
Innovation Award
Shifted Energy
Shifted Energy has introduced an innovative new technology into our province. Their Tempo Controller converts any conventional electric water heater into a smart water heater. This technology is already in homes across Labrador, where it provides kWh savings through timed-use and learning algorithms to improve the efficiency of the tank and kW savings by providing demand response options, all without affecting the customer’s access to hot water. Innovative technologies such as the Tempo Controller help us develop a diversified portfolio that focuses on energy and capacity savings.
AWARD CATEGORY:
Partnership Award
End Homelessness St. John’s
End Homelessness St. John’s is a community organization that is committed to making homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring. They strive to make energy efficiency more accessible to their clients by informing and educating individuals on the benefits of energy efficiency, and how utilizing efficient products can lead to more affordable living. In addition, they distributed Energy Savers Kits to their clients, ensuring they have energy efficiency products for their home. End Homelessness St. John’s is a shining example of a great community partner.
AWARD CATEGORY:
Partnership Award
Jamie Hewlett
Jamie is the Regional Energy Coordinator with the Nunatsiavut Government, and a key ally in Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro’s work with Nunatsiavut communities. Jamie helps deliver projects and programs that not only save energy, but also suit the needs of the communities where they operate. Creating and maintaining strong partnerships like these is key to providing programs that focus on homeowner education and reducing energy use for the people and businesses in our communities. Thank you, Jamie, for being such an inspiring partner!
AWARD CATEGORY:
Leadership Award - Individual
Edmundo Fausto
Edmundo has been a leader in the promotion of energy efficiency for over 10 years. He is the Sustainability Coordinator with the City of St. John’s and has been named an Efficiency Canada Regional Champion. He has worked with local, national and international teams advocating for energy efficiency mitigation and adaption. As an EV owner and electric vehicle advocate, he strives to increase awareness, education and adoption of EVs in our region. We recognize Edmundo for his dedication and delivery of energy-efficient solutions in St. John’s and beyond!
AWARD CATEGORY:
Leadership Award - Individual
Katherine Anstey-Roberts
As a takeCHARGE Instant Rebate Representative, Katherine has gone above and beyond to foster a relationship with retailers in her area to ensure the development and implementation of the program. Her persistence and perseverance were key to its successful launch. Community representatives such as Katherine are responsible for the success of our provincewide initiatives – locals who help local businesses provide energy-saving products to community members. Katherine’s hard work and dedication make her one of our local energy efficiency stars!
AWARD CATEGORY:
Leadership in Conservation and Electrification Award - Utility Employee
Ryan Payne
Ryan Payne is Supervisor, Metering for Newfoundland Power and he is committed to advancing transportation electrification in Newfoundland and Labrador. He provided leadership and innovation throughout the takeCHARGE Electric Vehicle Charging Network initiative. Ryan’s expertise helped the project meet standards and identify equipment upgrades necessary to facilitate the EV chargers. He was crucial to the success of the project, working closely with the project team to provide technical expertise and knowledge. Thank you, Ryan, for helping us lay the groundwork for an electrified future.
AWARD CATEGORY:
Leadership in Conservation and Electrification Award - Utility Employee
Gord Hibbs and Linus Kelly
Gord Hibbs is a Distribution Technologist and Linus Kelly is a Civil Engineer. They both work with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro’s Engineering Services department, and they have both been working tirelessly to bring fast charging stations for electric vehicles to the province. Their skills and knowledge have been integral to the development and expansion of our province’s fast charging network – a critical first step toward making EV ownership a reality in Newfoundland and Labrador. In 2021, Gord and Linus were key team members who helped complete the province’s first fast charging network, with stations from St. John’s to Port aux Basques. In 2022, they led the installation of the first three public fast charging stations in Labrador – and another six that are being installed in the Northern Peninsula this year! Gord and Linus’ dedication demonstrates how we can all be a part of a more sustainable future powered by clean, renewable energy.
AWARD CATEGORY:
Retail Partnership Award
Costco Wholesale
Costco Wholesale has been committed to offering energy-efficient products to customers through our Thermostat and Instant Rebate Programs. Through specialized in-store events, marketing, rebate program participation and great customer service, Costco helps customers make energy-efficient choices for their homes and businesses. Staff support the program by hosting multiple in-store events at the St. John’s warehouse, which educate their customers about energy efficiency and energy-efficient products while being fun and engaging. Through partnerships with retailers such as Costco, we are able to bring energy efficiency and rebate programs directly to Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.
AWARD CATEGORY:
Retail Partnership Award
Burgeo TIMBER MART
Burgeo TIMBER MART has been a committed and strong retail partner for many years. Their participation allows Burgeo residents and surrounding communities to access affordable energy efficiency technologies via the takeCHARGE Instant Rebate Program. This store has worked with us to provide instant rebates, in-store events, and overall energy efficiency promotions to their customers. Thank you to Burgeo TIMBER MART for standing with us and being a steadfast partner.
AWARD CATEGORY:
Electric Vehicle Awareness Award
The New Brunswick Lung Association
The New Brunswick Lung Association understands the value of clean air, and has been engaged in providing advocacy and electric vehicle education across the Atlantic provinces. Through their Drive Electric Atlantic Program, they promote the health and environmental benefits of EV adoption throughout the region. They partnered with takeCHARGE this summer and were instrumental in helping us host our first-ever EV Roadshow and offered attendees EV test drives. The Drive Electric team documented their EV road trip from Fredericton, NB to St. John’s NL, making the benefits of EVs tangible and exciting to thousands of Atlantic Canadians.
AWARD CATEGORY:
Electric Vehicle Awareness Award
Mike Goodyear
Hailing from Grand Falls-Windsor, Mike Goodyear was one of the early adopters of electric vehicles in the province. In 2016, when he purchased a Tesla; he knew there would be challenges but they did not discourage him. He has been an avid promotor of EVs in the province and has even offered up his own home charger to EV drivers across the province, as well as tourists in need. Mike has also helped test many of the new EV fast chargers installed across the province. He has joined us at our takeCHARGE EV Roadshow events, showcasing his car and sharing his personal stories, even volunteering to drive his EV in the Grand Falls-Windsor Santa Claus Parade. Today we recognize Mike’s generosity, leadership and commitment to expanding EV uptake in the province.
AWARD CATEGORY:
Leadership Award - Organization
NL 50+ Federation Inc.
NL 50+ Federation Inc. is a leader in fostering and communicating energy efficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador. They are committed to providing the 50+ and senior community with information and tools to live more affordably by adopting energy efficiency. They encourage the use of energy-efficient products such as LED light bulbs, weatherstripping, and programmable thermostats through events and newsletters. They have also aided in the promotion of takeCHARGE Energy Savers Kit program to 50+ and senior income eligible households. NL 50+ Federation Inc. plays a valuable role in bringing energy efficiency knowledge and skills to all.
AWARD CATEGORY:
Leadership Award - Organization
Ecofitt
Ecofitt is a conservation-focused manufacturer, wholesaler and supplier of products and programs across North America. They provide each of their clients with exceptional results, while continually introducing them to latest products and technologies to aid in their program success. For the last three years, Ecofitt has worked with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro on the Isolated Community Energy Efficiency Program. They brought all their expertise to this program, and have excelled in creating relationships with local staff, community members and local governments, all while exceeding energy saving targets. In the last two-and-a-half years, the program has saved over 2.2 GWh, and installed 30,500 products in over 1,500 homes and businesses. This was achieved through programs for homes and businesses, like direct installation of energy-efficient lighting and draft-proofing products, programmable thermostats, smart hot water heater controllers and a heat pump pilot program. Ecofitt also works with takeCHARGE to administer our Energy Savers Kit Program. Ecofitt’s team are leaders in energy efficiency and provide outstanding service to the residents of our province.
AWARD CATEGORY:
Big Award
Atlantic Place Managed by Martek Morgan Finch
Martek Morgan Finch worked with takeCHARGE to complete energy-efficient upgrades to the Atlantic Place building. These upgrades included an EcoPilot control system, which uses real-time data such as forecast, indoor information and thermal storage capacity of the building to continually meet the building’s balance point temperature. Benefits of this upgrade include reduced energy costs, lower CO2 emissions and, most importantly, an improved interior climate. The project is delivering annual energy savings of over one million kWhs per year, exceeding initial estimates. Atlantic Place is an excellent example of what a truly energy-efficient property can look like.
AWARD CATEGORY:
Big Award
Department of National Defence – 5 Wing Goose Bay
In the past year, 5 Wing Goose Bay (operated by the Department of National Defence) has made great strides in improving the efficiency of their facilities. Through two individual projects conducted with our Business Efficiency Program, they have received rebates for upgrading their lighting by putting in 133 LED high bay lights, 87 LED luminaries and 11 LED wall packs that resulted in an overall savings of 125 MWh. We are grateful to 5 Wing Goose Bay for showing that an ongoing commitment to upgrades really does add up!
KNOW SOMEONE WHO SHOULD WIN A LUMINARY AWARD?
If you know a company, town, retailer or individual whose energy-efficient efforts deserve some Luminary love, let us know. Maybe it’s you! Apply for a Luminary Award, or nominate someone else.
Complete the online submission form, or download the form to submit via email. You can nominate more than one candidate using separate forms!
Check out these eligibility criteria and guidelines.
takeCHARGE reserves the right to publish all nominations, or forego an award for a particular category.
Click here to start your submission, or download the PDF to submit through email.
We look forward to reading your submissions!