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GREEN News
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SOLAR DEMONSTRATION PROJECT PLANNED AT ECO-DISCOVERY CENTER
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 12/21/2009 ~ Keys Energy Services (KEYS) has formed a partnership with the Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to construct a solar demonstration in Key West.
The 26 kilowatt (AC) solar photovoltaic system will be located at the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West and is scheduled to begin operating in spring 2010. An educational kiosk at the Center will provide the public with information about renewable energy and energy conservation. The system will be jointly owned by FMPA and NOAA and operated by KEYS.
“We are thrilled to be able to bring this solar project to the Florida Keys,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. “This is a great opportunity to add green kilowatts to our generation mix and to provide solar education to our residents and visitors.”
“The addition of this solar technology will further demonstrate NOAA’s commitment to resource conservation and provide our visitors a firsthand look at steps they can take to increase energy efficiency in their own homes and businesses,” said Sanctuary Superintendent Sean Morton. “By applying and demonstrating new technology we can inspire others to save energy and help to preserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and enhance energy independence.”
“This solar project will enable FMPA’s members to advance the development of renewable generation and help educate the public on their role in creating greener communities,” said FMPA General Manager & CEO Nicholas P. Guarriello. “Solar power is a popular renewable resource in the Sunshine State, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”
FMPA provides all the wholesale power needs of 15 communities, including the Lower Florida Keys, as well as Bushnell, Clewiston, Fort Meade, Fort Pierce, Green Cove Springs, Town of Havana, Jacksonville Beach, Kissimmee, Lake Worth, Leesburg, Newberry, Ocala, Starke, and Vero Beach.
PROJECT DEMONSTRATES “PEEL AND STICK” SOLAR TECHNOLOGY
This solar partnership will support the development of renewable generation technologies by demonstrating the use of an advanced solar photovoltaic technology.
This project will use a “peel and stick” solar system, which generates electricity with an innovative thin-film solar panel that is mounted to a rooftop using an adhesive material. The system will be installed by Advanced Green Technologies (AGT) from Fort Lauderdale, FL. AGT’s FlexLight technology was selected as the best match for the Florida Keys’ unique environmental conditions. Other advantages of the FlexLight system include technology that captures the complete solar spectrum more efficiently, the ability to generate at low light levels, and its flexible and lightweight construction.
The project will cost $235,928, with FMPA’s All-Requirements Project paying 62-percent and NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries paying 38-percent. KEYS, through an existing agreement with FMPA, will provide operation and maintenance support for the system.
“Solar power is not currently the least-cost option, but it has a role in a diversified power generation portfolio,” said Guarriello. “This project will benefit FMPA’s members by giving us experience operating solar photovoltaic generation as part of the generation mix.”
SOLAR HELPS UTILITIES REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS
Solar generation technology produces no emissions, helping Florida’s municipal electric utilities reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This demonstration project is part of FMPA’s plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions back to year-2000 levels by 2017.
“Installing the solar array was just one of several action items to fulfill KEYS goal to ‘Reduce atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases while considering the rate impact on KEYS customers,’” said Tejeda.
“This project represents FMPA’s hope for the future that we will generate more electricity with fewer emissions,” said Guarriello.
INTERACTIVE KIOSK WILL EDUCATE PUBLIC ABOUT SOLAR
Educating the public is a key element of this solar partnership. The Eco-Discovery Center will prominently display an interactive kiosk that will provide information about global climate change and renewable generating technologies, as well as the role consumers can play in reducing energy consumption and supporting renewable generation.
“Each of us has a role to play in creating greener communities and a greener world,” said Guarriello. “FMPA’s 15 member communities are proud to do their part in protecting the environment and to spread the word on how we all can help.”
The Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center in Key West features an exciting array of interactive exhibits, dioramas, and displays, including a 2,400 gallon aquarium, all highlighting the rich natural environment of the Florida Keys. The Center is free to the public and a must-see for Keys residents and visitors of all ages.
“Incorporating the kiosk into the Eco-Discovery Center will be a fantastic addition to the educational experience and provide one more way our visitors can learn about ways to protect the environment for future generations,” said Morton.
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Keys Energy Services (KEYS) is the public power utility for Key West and the Lower Florida Keys. Headquartered in Key West, Florida, KEYS provides electricity form Key West to the Seven-Mile Bridge and serves more than 28,000 customers.
Florida Municipal Power Agency (FMPA) is a wholesale power company owned by 30 municipal electric utilities. FMPA provides economies of scale in power generation and related services to support community-owned electric utilities. The members of FMPA serve approximately 2-million Floridians. FMPA’s members include Alachua, Bartow, Blountstown, Bushnell, Chattahoochee, Clewiston, Fort Meade, Fort Pierce, Gainesville, Green Cove Springs, Havana, Homestead, Jacksonville Beach, Key West, Kissimmee, Lake Worth, Lakeland, Leesburg, Moore Haven, Mount Dora, New Smyrna Beach, Newberry, Ocala, Orlando, Quincy, St. Cloud, Starke, Vero Beach, Wauchula, and Williston. Additional information is available on the internet at www.fmpa.com.
Established in 1990, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary protects 2,900 square nautical miles of important marine habitat, including maritime heritage resources, as well as coral reef, hard bottom, seagrass meadows, mangrove communities and sand flats. NOAA and the state of Florida manage the sanctuary.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) understands and predicts changes in the Earth’s environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and conserves and manages coastal and marine resources.
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FOCUS ON CONSERVATION DURING PUBLIC POWER WEEK
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10/03/2009 ~ With the onset of Public Power Week, Keys Energy Services (KEYS) and the members of the Florida Municipal Electric Association – Florida’s 34 public power utilities – join more than 2,000 public power utilities from across the nation to explain the importance of public power contributions to local citizens. Public Power Week, now in its 23rd year, begins October 4th, and Florida’s municipal utilities are using this time to remind citizens of the importance of energy conservation.
“Over the last couple of years, rising fuel costs and concerns over environmental impacts have placed more importance than ever on energy conservation,” said Barry Moline, FMEA’s executive director. “Public Power Week is a celebration of the municipal electric providers who are dedicated to helping meet those demands by providing affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity.”
While municipal utilities take this week to celebrate the strength of the state’s public power, they are also focused on promoting green energy initiatives that include not just renewable sources of energy, but also energy efficiency and conservation. “Our member utilities are deeply concerned about controlling customers’ costs,” said Moline. “While our state leaders are looking at controlling greenhouse emissions, we want to let customers know that implementing efficiency and conservation measures at their homes and businesses will go a long way in helping the state to achieve its goals and will also lower energy costs.”
Public power has played an important role in Florida’s electric industry for more than 115 years. Beginning with the onset of World War II in the 1940s, an environment of fuel rationing made it critical for these separate utilities to band together to share energy resources in efforts to better ensure reliability and cost effectiveness.
This need spurred the formation of the Florida Municipal Utilities Association, which became the Florida Municipal Electric Association in 1988. Today, FMEA represents the interests of 34 public power communities across the state. Ranging in size from Jacksonville to Clewiston and spanning the state from Key West to Chattahoochee, the state’s public power utilities serve a combined customer base of nearly 3 million Floridians, or 14 percent of the state’s electric market. FMEA members collectively provide the state’s third largest source of electricity.
Tips for Saving Energy
- Adjust thermostat settings for air conditioning to 78 F degrees or higher, if health permits. When you’re not going to be home for an extended period, raise the thermostat setting to 82 F degrees or higher.
- Close curtains and blinds to help insulate homes and buildings against cooling loss.
- Avoid using room air conditioners; turn them off when you leave the room or home.
- Reduce use of all non-essential electric appliances. Run your dishwasher and wash and dry your laundry later in the evening.
- Turn off all non-essential lighting and electric appliances, such as pool pumps.
- Turn off lights when you leave a room or when they aren’t needed.
- Leave refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible.
- Cook outdoors, use a microwave oven or small appliances like a toaster oven or electric skillet to avoid heating up the kitchen and adding moisture to the air. Microwaves use less than half the power of a conventional oven and cook food in about one-fourth the time.
KEYS customers are urged to log on to www.KeysEnergy.com and click on the “Growing Greener Every Day” icon for more tips on how they can conserve energy to further help the environment and keep some money in their wallet.
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KEYS WINS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
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 10/02/2009 ~ The Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) recently honored the community service efforts of Keys Energy Services (KEYS) by recognizing the municipal electric utility with the 2009 Community Service Award.
Honored during a ceremony at FMEA’s Utility Education and Trade Show Days in Jupiter Beach, Fla., KEYS received the award for its commitment to enhancing its customers’ quality of life through community-improvement programs such as their annual Tree Giveaway, environmental initiatives to reduce green house gases, and ongoing involvement and support of numerous school/youth-related activities and programs throughout their service area.
“Being a part of the community is about more than making sure the lights are on,” said FMEA Executive Director Barry Moline. “The recipients of the 2009 FMEA Community Service Awards excel in not only taking an interest in seeing their communities succeed, but also actively work toward making them better places to live.”
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KEYS WINS COVETED BRONZE ANVIL AWARD OF COMMENDATION
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 10/01/2009 ~ Keys Energy Services (KEYS) recently received a coveted 2009 Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for superior performance in the design and execution of an individual public relations tactic within a broader public relations campaign.
KEYS received a 2009 Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation in the publications category for its 2008-2009 Energy Conservation Calendar.
“The Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation annually identifies those effective public relations plans and campaigns that demonstrate sound, well-conceived communication actions or tactics that are extraordinary in scope and implementation,” Said Tanya Morah, 2009 Bronze Anvil chair and associate professor of communications at Wilberforce University. “This award celebrates some of the best tactical practices of the public relations industry and a job well-done.”
The Bronze Anvil Award of Commendation was created by PRSA in 1969 to recognize outstanding public relations tactics – the individual items or components that contribute to the success of an overall program or campaign. Entries are judged by teams of PRSA members – and others who have specific category expertise – across the country.
“The Anvil Award is a tremendous honor in recognition of a tactic that has become a cornerstone of KEYS’ energy conservation public relations campaign,” said Julio J. Barroso, KEYS’ Communications/Marketing Coordinator. He added that, “given that this award is bestowed by ones peers in the public relations field, it is comparable to the Academy Award in the Motion Picture industry, and is a tremendous feather in KEYS’ cap.”
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KEYS’ ENERGY CONSERVATION CALENDARS NOW AVAILABLE
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 07/21/2009 ~ Keys Energy Services (KEYS) is proud to announce that its 13th annual Energy Conservation calendars are now available.
Customers can pick up a FREE copy of the calendar at KEYS’ Service Building at 1001 James Street in Key West, or at KEYS’ Big Pine Key branch office at 13 Ships Way, while supplies last.
KEYS’ calendar follows the local school district academic year and highlights energy conservation practices using the art of local elementary school students.
Calendars have been distributed to all elementary schools within KEYS service area and will be given to students during “Meet the Teacher” day prior to the start of classes.
KEYS’ Energy Conservation calendar has received numerous awards, including the prestigious national Bronze Anvil Award from the Public Relations Society of America for its innovative presentation and content.
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UTILITY BOARD RECOGNIZES CALENDAR ART CONTEST WINNERS
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 05/14/2009 ~ Keys Energy Services (KEYS) recently sponsored an Energy Conservation Art Contest for all elementary school students in the Lower Florida Keys. One overall winner and two winners from each grade level were selected to grace the pages of KEYS 13th annual Energy Conservation calendar.
The overall winner was Taylor Jannes Olive, a Third Grader from Montessori Elementary Charter School. Her artwork will be featured on the cover of KEYS’ award-winning 2009-2010 calendar. The winning artists whose work will grace each of the 12 months are:
Kindergarten
R.J. Lewis & Kiera Wicht
First Grade
Francesco Drago & Christopher Gazzale
Second Grade
Mckenna E.A. Carlson & Ellie Webb
Third Grade
Nalani Annette Disdier & Savannah Parks
Fourth Grade
Ashley Martin & Talia Santiago
Fifth Grade
Mallory Rose Cerkleski & Sydney Gallagher
The 13 winners attended the May 13th Utility Board meeting and were recognized for their efforts. All of the winners were presented with a certificate and a $50 U.S. Savings Bond, in addition to having their artwork featured in KEYS’ 2009-2010 Energy Conservation Calendar.
The regular meeting of the Utility Board took place at 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 13th, in the Louis Carbonell Board Room of the William Arnold Service Building, 1001 James Street, Key West.
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KEYS MAKES FIVE ADDITIONS TO REBATE PROGRAM
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05/11/2009 ~ Keys Energy Services (KEYS) recently made five additions to its rebate program for qualified energy-efficient products. Recently added rebates include those for: dehumidifiers ($50); dishwashers ($55); freezers ($75); duct leak repairs or replacement ($150); and LED exit signs for commercials customers only with a limit of five per account ($10 each). Other products that qualify for the rebate program include: solar water heaters, programmable thermostats, clothes washers, refrigerators, and central & room air conditioners.
KEYS’ customers looking for more information on the rebate program, and how to participate, should log on to www.KeysEnergy.com and click on the “Growing Greener Every Day” icon. Customers can also link directly to the rebate program page by logging on to http://www.keysenergy.com/rebate-forms.php. Once on the page, KEYS’ customers can select from the 11 rebate options available and download the applicable forms and applications.
“KEYS’ rebate program is made possible through a joint partnership with the Florida Municipal Power Agency and our fellow public power utilities throughout the state,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. She added that, “rebates range from $10.00 to $450.00 and will help offset the initial cost to purchase an energy efficient appliance.” Rebates will be awarded to KEYS’ customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
KEYS’ customers are urged to log on to www.KeysEnergy.com and click on the “Growing Greener Every Day” icon for more information on the rebate program and for additional tips on how they can conserve energy to further help the environment.
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KEYS’ CUSTOMERS REDUCED ENERGY CONSUMPTION FOR EARTH HOUR ON MARCH 28TH
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03/30/2009 ~ Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) customers reduced their energy consumption by 3.56-percent, or 3.50 Megawatts* (MW), for Lights Out America – Earth Hour on Saturday, Marcy 28th. KEYS’ facilities and employees also participated in Earth Hour and helped to contribute to the reduction of energy.
Earth Hour is a global climate change initiative run by the World Wildlife Federation which called on individuals and businesses around the world to turn off their lights for one hour on Saturday, March 28th, from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. The aim of the campaign was to express that individual action on a mass scale can help change the planet for the better. Making a commitment to turn out lights for one hour is a symbolic and pragmatic gesture intended to raise awareness and to encourage greater energy conservation practices all year long.
KEYS’ customers looking for more information on Earth Hour should log on to www.EarthHour.org. While online, KEYS’ customers can visit www.KeysEnergy.com and click on the “Growing Greener Every Day” icon for ways to grow individual green efforts.
* Megawatt: A unit of electric real power equal to 1,000 kilowatts or 1,000,000 watts.
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KEYS URGES CUSTOMERS TO TURN OUT LIGHTS FOR EARTH HOUR ON MARCH 28TH
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03/18/2009 ~ Keys Energy Services (KEYS) has pledged to participate in Lights Out America – Earth Hour on Saturday, March 28th, and encourages resident’s of Key West and the Lower Florida Keys to follow its lead.
Earth Hour is a global climate change initiative run by the World Wildlife Federation which calls on individuals and businesses around the world to turn off their lights for one hour on Saturday, March 28th, from 8:30 – 9:30 p.m. The aim of the campaign is to express that individual action on a mass scale can help change the planet for the better. Making a commitment to turn out lights for one hour is a symbolic and pragmatic gesture intended to raise awareness and to encourage greater energy conservation practices all year long.
“While KEYS grows its green practices all year long,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO, “Earth Hour will afford everyone in our community the ability to take part in a truly global expression of the need for greater energy conservation.”
KEYS’ customers looking for more information on Earth Hour and for ways to participate should log on to www.EarthHour.org. While online, KEYS’ customers should visit www.KeysEnergy.com and click on the “Growing Greener Every Day” icon for ways to grow individual green efforts.
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 03/03/2009 ~ KEYS' Spokesperson, Julio J. Barroso, recently spoke to the Recycling Rangers at Poinciana Elementary School about Energy Conservation.
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KEYS CLEANS UP THE NEIGHBORHOOD
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 02/28/2009 ~ KEYS' employees and their family members recently helped to clean up the neighborhoods surrounding KEYS' Service Building, near the historic Key West Bight.
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KEYS ADDS ROOM AIR CONDITIONER TO REBATE PROGRAM
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02/13/2009 ~ Keys Energy Services (KEYS) recently added a rebate of $75 for a room air conditioner to its rebate program for qualified energy-efficient products. Other products that qualify for the rebate program include: solar water heaters, programmable thermostats, clothes washers, refrigerators, and central air conditioners.
KEYS’ customers looking for more information on the rebate program, and how to participate, should log on to www.KeysEnergy.com and click on the “Growing Greener Every Day” icon. Customers can also link directly to the rebate program page by logging on to http://www.keysenergy.com/rebate-forms.php. Once on the page, KEYS’ customers can select from the six rebate options available to download the applicable forms and applications.
“KEYS’ rebate program is made possible through a joint partnership with the Florida Municipal Power Agency and our fellow public power utilities throughout the state,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. She added that, “rebates range from $25.00 to $450.00, depending on the appliance, and these rebates will help offset the initial cost to purchase an energy efficient appliance.” Rebates will be awarded to KEYS’ customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
KEYS customers are urged to log on to www.KeysEnergy.com and click on the “Growing Greener Every Day” icon for more information on the rebate program and for tips on how they can conserve energy to further help the environment and keep some money in their wallet.
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KEYS’ LAUNCHES RECYCLING PROGRAM
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 01/30/2009 ~ On Monday, February 2nd, Keys Energy Services (KEYS) will become one of the first local governmental agencies to launch an internal recycling program for its facilities.
Working in conjunction with Waste Management, KEYS will provide recycling containers throughout KEYS’ facilities and will encourage employees and customers to dispose of waste accordingly.
“Given recent technological breakthroughs, there is no longer a need to extensively sort recyclables and that makes it easier for everyone to play a role in helping the environment,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. She added that, “we have found the items that can be recycled are far more extensive than those that cannot, and when you look at the bottom line it makes good business sense.”
Currently KEYS’ annually budgets $16,000 for waste disposal. With the implementation of KEYS’ Recycling Program, waste disposal costs are estimated to be reduced by as much as 50-percent.
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KEYS’ WEBSITE POWERED BY GREEN TECHNOLOGY
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01/23/2009 ~ Keys Energy Services’ (KEYS) website, www.KeysEnergy.com, is now hosted by a server powered and cooled by wind farms in the state of Texas.
The server’s data center is located in Houston and has been certified Climate Friendly & Wind Powered after its recent purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates which support 4,009 megawatt-hours (mwh)* of electricity generation sourced from Texas wind farms.
The Renewable Energy Certificates will prevent the emission of 3,117 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, and are the equivalent of:
- Removing 444 cars from the road for a year, or
- Powering 321 homes with clean energy for a year, or
- Saving 5,654 barrels of oil, or
- Protecting 708 acres of forest for a year.
“As we encourage our customers to look at how they can individually conserve energy, we at KEYS continue to look for ways to grow our green efforts,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. She added that, “as the services we offer online to our customers continue to expand, and assist in individual conservation goals, KEYS can now take pride in a thoroughly green website.”
KEYS customers are urged to log on to www.KeysEnergy.com and click on the “Growing Greener Every Day” icon for more information and for tips on how they can conserve energy to further help the environment and keep some money in their wallet.
* Megawatt-Hour – A megawatt-hour is a unit of energy equal to 1,000 kilowatt-hours.
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KEYS’ REBATE PROGRAM FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES
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01/16/2009 ~ Replacing old energy-hogging appliances can create major savings on monthly energy bills, but investments in energy efficient appliances, while cost-effective in the long-run, may not be affordable in the short-term. To help its customers invest in energy efficient appliances and equipment, Keys Energy Services (KEYS) offers rebates for qualified, energy-efficient products, including: solar water heaters, programmable thermostats, clothes washers, refrigerators, and central air conditioners.
KEYS’ customers looking for more information on the rebate program, and how to participate, should log on to www.KeysEnergy.com and click on the “Growing Greener Every Day” icon. Customers can also link directly to the rebate program page by logging on to http://www.keysenergy.com/rebate-forms.php. Once on the page, KEYS’ customers can select from the five rebate options available to download the applicable forms and applications.
“KEYS’ rebate program is made possible through a joint partnership with the Florida Municipal Power Agency and our fellow public power utilities throughout the state,” said Lynne Tejeda, KEYS’ General Manager & CEO. She added that, “rebates range from $25.00 to $450.00, depending on the appliance, and these rebates will help offset the initial cost to purchase an energy efficient appliance.” Rebates will be awarded to KEYS’ customers on a first-come, first-served basis.
KEYS customers are urged to log on to www.KeysEnergy.com and click on the “Growing Greener Every Day” icon for more information on the rebate program and for tips on how they can conserve energy to further help the environment and keep some money in their wallet.
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