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.
Awards for Energy Efficiency
The Luminary Awards celebrates individuals, organizations, and communities who are shining examples in these eight categories:

Community Impact Award

Sustained Excellence
Honors outstanding dedication to sustained practices and achievements in energy efficiency. Recognizing an individual, business, organization or not-for-profit that has demonstrated consistent commitment to reducing energy consumption, increasing energy efficiency, and fostering a culture of sustainability.

Leadership Award
The Leadership Award recognizes an individual’s or establishment’s leadership and commitment to energy efficiency in Newfoundland and Labrador through energy efficient activities, projects or campaign. Examples of initiatives include, but are not limited to: completing energy-efficient building upgrades; assisting employees or customers in adopting energy-efficient technology; being an energy-efficiency ambassador in your community, school or workplace; promoting or installing energy-efficient technology; and, educating others on energy-efficiency.

Innovation 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 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.

Electric 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 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 2024

Community Impact

Community Impact

Innovation Award

Partnership Award

Partnership Award

Leadership Award

Leadership Award

Sustained Excellence Award

Sustained Excellence Award

The Electric Vehicle Awareness Award

The Electric Vehicle Awareness Award

BIG AWARD

Big Award
AWARD CATEGORY:
Community Impact
Makkovik Inuit Community Government
Barry Andersen, Mayor/AngajukKak of Makkovik has provided support, knowledge and assistance to Hydro’s team as they work within the community to provide residents and businesses with energy-efficient technologies. With his help, Hydro’s Isolated Community Energy Efficiency Program has installed 976 lights and tubes at the Makkovik Town Office, Town Garage, Community Hall, School, and Fire Hall for over 92 MWh of savings this year alone. There have also been 713 energy efficiency products installed in 25 homes in Makkovik for a total of 39 MWh of savings. Mayor Andersen’s support of these upgrades has helped Makkovik save on electricity costs, cut maintenance costs and offer improved lighting for their town facilities.

AWARD CATEGORY:
Community Impact
Town of Placentia
The Town of Placentia took action to reduce energy costs at their fire hall and arena by installing multiple ductless heat pumps. The energy impact at the fire hall exceeded expectations, achieving savings of 46 MWhs per year, resulting in a 50% decrease in heating costs. The heat pumps installed in the arena’s dressing rooms and gym area showcase the town is committed to investing in energy efficiency. Congratulations to The Town of Placentia for leading by example and inspiring the community.

AWARD CATEGORY:
Innovation Award
Jack Byrne Regional Sport & Entertainment Centre
In 2023, the Jack Byrne Arena successfully transitioned from a conventional propane-powered ice resurfacer to a fully electric Zamboni. This initiative has proven cost-effective (with less maintenance and fuel savings), and has also improved operations and increased safety by eliminating potential hazards associated with propane. Thanks to the Jack Byrne team for setting new industry standards and proving you can prioritize sustainability without sacrificing high performance.

AWARD CATEGORY:
Partnership Award
CLEAResult
CLEAResult is committed to making energy efficiency more accessible to their clients. As the delivery partner for takeCHARGE’s Energy Savers Kit, they ensure our customers receive their kits at home promptly and efficiently. Since the program launched in 2022, CLEAResult has helped distribute over 9,000 kits and counting. In addition, they go above and beyond to help us discover new, innovative ways to improve the program, and they are always excited to assist with any other energy efficiency initiatives. CLEAResult is a clear, shining example of a great partner.

AWARD CATEGORY:
Partnership Award
Nunatsiavut Government
The Nunatsiavut Government has been a strong, consistent partner in energy solutions that are sustainable and affordable. Representatives from the Nunatsiavut Government have been working with Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro to provide Nunatsiavut communities with programs and services that help meet energy needs throughout the region, with due recognition of local social and economic conditions. The goal is to work collaboratively on all aspects of electricity generation and energy efficiency in Nunatsiavut communities.

AWARD CATEGORY:
Leadership Award
Kieran Hanley, econext
On behalf of its 200 members, econext fosters environmentally sustainable economic development. They do this by supporting startups, delivering innovative business development programming, offering training, providing leadership on policy and advocacy issues, and much more. Kieran Hanley, CEO of econext, has worked within the clean technology, green economy and environmental services sector for over 10 years. Today, we recognize Kieran for his dedication to clean and economic growth in our province.

AWARD CATEGORY:
Leadership Award
Ethel O’Brien
For the past 12 years, Ethel O’Brien has been an outstanding energy efficiency ambassador for Hydro’s Isolated Systems Energy Efficiency program. She has executed many programs, including educational seminars in the community and schools, direct installation of energy-efficient products, giveaway events, and building/lighting audits. Residents and business owners will often reach out to Ethel to ask her questions about available programs and energy efficiency upgrades/renovation opportunities. Ethel has been a direct contributor to the success of the Isolated Communities Energy Efficiency Program, which has installed over 160,000 energy-efficient products with 900 business visits and 8,500 home visits, leading to 12.4 GWh of electricity savings across 41 remote communities.

AWARD CATEGORY:
Sustained Excellence Award
Colemans
Ever since the inception of the Business Efficiency Program, Colemans has collaborated with the takeCHARGE team. The first BEP rebate was given to Colemans in 2014 for upgrading the lighting in their Corner Brook BrandSource Home Furnishings store. Colemans has now finished 17 projects with takeCHARGE, including refrigeration heat recovery, LED store lighting, pre-rinse spray valves, and refrigerated case LED lighting. By putting these energy-saving measures in place, Colemans has saved almost 1.0 GWh yearly while obtaining rebates totalling roughly $70,000. Today, we recognize Colemans for their continued efforts in energy conservation and efficiency.

AWARD CATEGORY:
Sustained Excellence Award
Ingram’s Electrical Ltd.
Ingram’s Electrical offers outstanding service as an electrical contractor for installing energy-efficient products and solutions for Hydro’s Isolated Community Energy Efficiency Program. Devin Ingram, owner of Ingram’s Electrical, has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to reducing energy consumption, increasing energy efficiency, and fostering a culture of sustainability. He goes above and beyond to ensure the job is done right and the customers are happy. Devin’s commitment to providing top-quality workmanship and strong customer service for so many years deserves celebration.

AWARD CATEGORY:
The Electric Vehicle Awareness Award
Penney’s Pitstop Ltd.
Penney’s Pitstop is a Labrador business that meets the automotive, convenience and accommodation needs of those travelling to Port Hope-Simpson, Labrador. As EV use in the province began to rise, Penney’s Pitstop recognized a need and installed three Level 2 chargers at their business, with assistance from the Government of Canada’s Commercial EV Charger Rebate program.
EV chargers add value and attract customers by providing a convenient location for drivers to charge their vehicles while they shop, eat or rest. Penney’s location is critical for those travelling from the south coast of Labrador to Happy Valley-Goose Bay and beyond. Today, as we watch EV adoption and critical infrastructure increase in the province, we recognize Penney’s Pitstop as a leader.

AWARD CATEGORY:
The Electric Vehicle Awareness Award
Heat Pump Solutions Ltd
Heat Pump Solutions has successfully transitioned from traditional fuel-powered vehicles to electric vehicles. They have a total of 7 EVs in their fleet consisting of light and medium duty vehicles. They not only achieved significant cost savings and operational efficiencies, but they also reduced their carbon footprint. takeCHARGE is happy to shine a light on Heat Pump Solutions for being ahead of the curve when it comes to embracing EVs for their business.

AWARD CATEGORY:
BIG AWARD
Franks General Store
Franks General Store in Nain is one of the businesses led by Patty Dicker of DJ Group, a group of Inuit-owned and operated businesses based in Makkovik, Hopedale and Nain. Franks General Store is proudly named after Patty’s father, Frank Dicker, whom she credits for her strong work and business ethic.
Patty worked with Hydro on several projects over the years. The latest upgrade at Franks involved increasing the level of insulation at the store. This project saved over 56,000kWh per year, and the business received a takeCHARGE rebate of $22,640. It was initiated by former Financial Controller Kalvin Penney, who sadly passed away last fall. Receiving this award helps honour the important work Kalvin did for the company, and the province.

AWARD CATEGORY:
Big Award
NL Health Services
NL Health Services collaborated with takeCHARGE to complete a variety of energy-saving initiatives outlined in their Energy Performance Contract with Honeywell. 22 locations underwent energy efficient renovations as part of this contract. Building envelope improvements, controls, retro-commissioning, LED lighting, and building automation were among the measures implemented. In addition to increasing productivity, safety, and comfort for staff and patients, the renovation saves approximately 760 MWh every year, for which Health Services received a rebate of over $70,000.

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!
2025 nominations will open late summer 2025. We look forward to your submissions of brilliance in energy efficiency. Until then, you can check out this eligibility criteria and guidelines.
takeCHARGE reserves the right to publish all nominations, or forego an award for a particular category.