City of Columbia Water & Light Recognized as a Smart Energy Provider

(COLUMBIA, MO) - City of Columbia Water & Light has earned a Smart Energy Provider (SEP) designation from the American Public Power Association for demonstrating commitment to and proficiency in energy efficiency, distributed generation, and environmental initiatives that support a goal of providing low-cost, quality, safe and reliable electric service. Chris Van Dokkumburg, planning analyst at ‎Holland Board of Public Works, presented the designation on Tuesday, Oct. 29, during the Association’s annual Customer Connections Conference held in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The SEP designation, which lasts for two years (Dec. 1, 2019 to Nov. 30, 2021), recognizes public power utilities for demonstrating leading practices in four key disciplines: smart energy program structure; energy efficiency and distributed energy programs; environmental and sustainability initiatives; and the customer experience. This is the first year the Association has offered the SEP designation. City of Columbia Water & Light joins more than 60 public power utilities nationwide receiving the inaugural SEP designation.

"This designation highlights utilities that are really stepping up to deliver their customers top-notch programs and services," Van Dokkumburg said. "These utilities are going beyond ‘keeping the lights on,’ and their communities should be proud."

"It’s an honor to be acknowledged for our programs that make it possible for the community to participate in reducing our energy footprint," City of Columbia Utility Services Manager Brandon Renaud said. "We continuously strive to deliver excellent customer service and programming to address the energy needs for our customer which contribute to our overall environmental health through energy reduction. It’s encouraging to be recognized as an industry-leading utility when it comes to smart energy."


The Utility Services is a department within the City of Columbia’s Water & Light utility, dedicated to helping customers achieve energy and water waste reduction goals. Programming includes incentives for residential, industrial, and commercial customers to reduce their usage through energy efficiency improvements, energy assessments and solar installation. Through its programs, customers contribute to over 4 million kWh reduction annually.  

The American Public Power Association is the voice of not-for-profit, community-owned utilities that power 49 million people in 2,000 towns and cities nationwide. The Association advocates and advises on electricity policy, technology, trends, training, and operations. Learn more at publicpower.org.