Local Contractors Honored for Promoting Energy Efficiency

PAXTON, Illinois (January 20, 2012) – Three area heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) dealers walked away with awards during Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative’s annual contractor appreciation dinner held on January 17, 2012 at Alexander’s Steakhouse in Champaign.

The awards were based on the number of heat pump systems (mainly geothermal) installed in Eastern Illini’s service territory in 2011. Hoveln Heating & Cooling, of Thomasboro, Ill., won the Gold Sales Award. Cade’s Heating & Air of Hoopeston, Ill., won the Silver Sales Award. R&M Electric, of Watseka, Ill., won the Bronze Sales Award.

Geothermal systems, also known as ground-source heat pumps, are an extremely efficient way to heat and cool your home.  By utilizing the Earth’s fairly constant underground temperature, a geothermal system can reach efficiencies of 400 – 500 percent. Geothermal systems are, according the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean, and cost-effective space conditioning systems available today”.

The contractor appreciation event was especially meaningful this year, as Eastern Illini recently celebrated the 1,000^th geothermal system installed in their service territory. Eastern Illini’s President/CEO Wm. David Champion, Jr. noted, “As a member-owned utility, we are always looking for ways to help our members save money on their utility bills. Geothermal systems definitely do that, plus they are great for the environment. In fact, I had a geothermal system installed at my home several years ago, and we love it!” Over 40 heating and cooling contractors, electricians, and builders attended the annual event.

Eastern Illini Electric Cooperative is a member-owned rural electric cooperative based in Paxton, Ill. that supplies electricity to approximately 12,000 member/owners. Eastern Illini offers a full range of energy solutions, along with water quality solutions and telecommunication solutions. Eastern Illini is a member of Touchstone Energy — an alliance of over 700 electric cooperatives serving over 40 million consumers in 46 states. More information is available at www.eiec.org or www.twitter.com/easternillini.