Empowering Progress, Inspiring Change

On November 13, NRG was proud to host the sixth annual Excellence in Energy Awards.

This year, we celebrated the visionaries who are proving that big ideas and bold collaboration can transform how we power our communities, our businesses, and our lives. Our winners are not just meeting goals — they are reshaping futures through fearless innovation, strategic energy practices, and investments that create lasting value.

With so many powerful nominations, our 2025 winners stand out for the way they embrace technology, bring people together, and turn ambitions into action. From building resilience and driving sustainability to investing in the people and places around them, these leaders are showing us what is possible when energy strategy meets purpose.

Here’s a closer look at our winners and their inspiring programs:

The winners in this category exemplify leadership through direct engagement with their communities — creating opportunities, supporting local programs, and making a measurable impact on the lives of their neighbors.

Bronze winner: Modern Maturity Center (MMC) in Dover, Delaware was honored for its unwavering commitment to supporting older adults through innovative programs like Meals on Wheels. By delivering over half a million nutritious meals in 2024, alongside safety checks and friendly visits, MMC is combating hunger, isolation, and loss of independence. Their efforts are a vital investment in the well-being of homebound seniors.

Silver winner: Lighthouse Ministries International (LHMI) in Beltsville, Maryland won for its innovative combination of philanthropy and sustainability as tools for community support. Through food, resources, and education programs and ongoing youth mentorship, LHMI empowers vulnerable communities while championing energy conservation and climate care. By teaching and integrating renewable energy, waste reduction, and impact monitoring, LHMI sets a powerful example of faith-driven leadership that fosters lasting social and environmental progress.

Gold winner: Texas-based H-E-B Grocery LP was recognized for its extraordinary response to the catastrophic Kerr County floods of 2025. Mobilizing disaster teams, providing essential supplies, and serving free hot meals, H-E-B exemplified swift, compassionate action. With a $5 million pledge for recovery and public donation efforts, H-E-B’s leadership and commitment to Texans in need underscore its unwavering dedication to community-first values.

Winners in this category are leading the way toward a resilient future by reducing carbon footprints, integrating renewable energy sources, and creating solutions that serve both business and the planet.

Bronze winner: Allegheny Health Network (AHN), based out of Western Pennsylvania, was honored for its commitment to sustainability through the creation of its collaborative Sustainability Steering Committee. By implementing energy-efficient solutions, reducing waste, and optimizing operations across their care network, AHN is driving meaningful environmental progress while enhancing operational efficiency. Their efforts showcase how healthcare can lead the way in building a more sustainable future for communities and the planet.

Silver winner: Edible Garden AG Inc. in Belvidere, New Jersey was recognized for its innovative Zero-Waste Inspired® mission, which integrates sustainable farming practices, eco-conscious packaging, and local distribution networks to reduce environmental impact. By optimizing water use, minimizing pesticide reliance, and reducing food and plastic waste, Edible Garden is setting a new standard for environmentally responsible agriculture while supporting local communities and promoting long-term sustainability.

Gold winner: The Bank of Montreal (BMO) won for their forward-thinking investment in cutting-edge technology to advance their energy and sustainability goals. Through the implementation of innovative photovoltaic Morgan Solar Energy Blinds, BMO is reducing energy consumption, enhancing workplace comfort, and accelerating progress toward ESG targets. Their efforts exemplify a commitment to creating smarter and greener professional spaces across Canada.

These winners prove that energy efficiency is empowering by lowering operational costs, reducing consumption, building smarter infrastructure, and reframing how to do more with less.

Excitingly this year, there was a tie for the Bronze Award.

Bronze winner: Columbia University was honored for their innovative approach to energy efficiency in the heart of one of the busiest cities in the world, New York City. Through HVAC optimizations, lighting upgrades, and building system improvements, the facilities and operations team is reducing emissions, enhancing energy efficiency, and supporting equitable grid use for neighboring businesses and residences. Their efforts create a more comfortable, distraction-free learning environment for students while advancing the university’s net-zero emissions goal.

Bronze winner: WoodGreen Community Housing Inc. was recognized for its leadership in redefining energy efficiency within the purpose-built housing sector. As one of Ontario, Canada’s largest non-profit housing providers, WoodGreen is transforming existing housing through deep retrofits, including a groundbreaking net-zero project for a seniors’ residence. By modernizing units and implementing energy-efficient systems, WoodGreen is creating healthier, more sustainable living spaces and social resources for thousands of unhoused and vulnerable community members each year.

Silver winner: Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) in Laredo, Texas won for its remarkable transformation into a model of energy excellence. Through strategic initiatives like lighting retrofits, HVAC upgrades, water conservation, and a planned solar array, TAMIU has significantly reduced utility consumption while enhancing operational efficiency. By embracing real-time data tools and predictive insights, the university is setting a national standard for sustainability and resource stewardship, creating a more resilient and forward-thinking campus.

Gold winner: The Gettysburg Foundation in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was celebrated for its commitment to energy efficiency, blending the technology of the future with a deep respect for the past. From geothermal heating and cooling to LED lighting and EV charging stations, innovations at their Museum and Visitor Center reduce energy consumption while creating a comfortable space for millions of annual visitors to learn the history of and pay their respects at this historic battlefield.

This year also marks the first time we presented the Timeless Award, honoring a customer whose decades-long collaboration reflects bold leadership and shared investment in the future. The inaugural recipient is the City of Houston

For over two decades, the City of Houston has collaborated with NRG to power their numerous municipal facilities. But more than that, they have invested in the lives and futures of Houstonians. From becoming the nation’s largest government purchaser of renewable energy, to an ambitious Climate Action Plan that proposes the city reach total carbon neutrality by 2050, City of Houston cares about what their city looks like and how it functions decades from now. In collaboration with NRG, they have built long-term clean water and energy resiliency into their city planning, planted over 100,000 trees, and regularly support programs that benefit their citizens from young to old.

Congratulations, City of Houston, and thank you for allowing us to support and empower your vision.

Executive Vice President and President of NRG Business and Wholesale Operations, Rob Gaudette summed up the impact of the Excellence in Energy Awards, “Congratulations to our winners. Your achievements remind us that energy is much more than power — it is progress, connection, and possibility. By thinking big and acting boldly, you are proving that collaboration and innovation drive meaningful change. We’re honored to be part of your strategy for a bright and sustainable future.”