Press Release

Five Minnesota organizations recognized at Energy Summit for energy efficiency and their commitment to being “green”

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – September 30, 2009 – Alliant Energy honored five Minnesota businesses with an “Excellence in Energy Efficiency Award” for their leadership and vision in integrating energy efficiency into the design, construction or operation of their businesses. The awards were presented at today’s 2009 Minnesota Energy Summit in Albert Lea, MN.

The Minnesota businesses receiving awards included: Corn Plus, Seneca Foods, D&D Dairy LLP, Frontier Family Farms and Zumbro River Brand, Inc.

“Climate change is at the forefront of everyone's minds right now, and energy efficiency is one of the best ways to preserve the environment,” said Tom Aller, President – Interstate Power and Light Company, an Alliant Energy Company. “We're recognizing five organizations that have each made a tremendous impact on their energy usage, as well as their carbon footprint.”

Selection of the winners was based on a variety of criteria such as energy savings, programs implemented, the number and kinds of projects completed, technology applied or a unique application of energy-efficiency technologies. The award-winning organizations utilized Alliant Energy's Shared Savings program.

By working energy efficiency into their processes, these five organizations are saving more than 39 million kilowatt-hours of electricity each year, as well as another 64,000 therms of natural gas. The savings result in lower operational costs for the building owner, as well as reduced carbon dioxide emissions of 28,328 metric tons each year.

The Excellence in Energy Efficiency Awards showcase Alliant Energy’s commercial, industrial and agriculture customers whose energy-efficiency initiatives yielded the most significant cost and energy-savings results last year. The awards were presented during the 2009 Energy Summit program. The program provided attendees with a variety of energy-related educational sessions, technical information and energy solutions. Participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas and strategies with companies that have successfully implemented energy efficiency projects.

Each of the award-winning organizations participated in the Shared Savings program. With Shared Savings, customers can upgrade equipment, save money and conserve energy – all with no up-front capital investment. Alliant Energy experts help customers identify, finance and carry out energy improvement projects and pay for the initial cost of the high-efficiency equipment. Energy bills are reduced as a result of the energy savings. For more information, visit www.alliantenergy.com/sharedsavings.

Media Contact: Scott Drzycimski  (319) 786-7550