Noting that only two higher education institutions in the Carolinas were selected to receive a prestigious Duke Energy 2011 Power Partner Award, Catawba College President Joseph B. Oxendine accepted Catawba's award during a Jan. 25 luncheon hosted by Duke Energy on campus.
Oxendine explained that Catawba College and Clemson University were the only two higher education institutions tapped for the awards. He said partnering with Duke Energy allowed the college to preserve and to enhance "the resources we are given."
Catawba College was among 13 businesses, colleges and school systems throughout Duke Energy's service territory chosen as a 2011 Power Partner Award recipient, with seven of those award recipients located in the Carolinas. Since 1993, the program has recognized customers who share Duke Energy's commitment to strategic energy solutions and economic development.
Catawba was selected because of its participation in several of Duke Energy's key programs — Smart Metering and SmartBuilding Advantage programs. The Smart Metering program gives Catawba real-time access to extensive energy usage data from nine campus buildings, empowering the college to effectively track and adjust energy usage. Through the SmartBuilding Advantage program, Catawba College was able to identify ways to improve energy efficiencies in several buildings, including upgrading heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), and lighting systems to reduce energy consumption.
During the luncheon, some Catawba employees received individual Power Partner Awards for their contributions in implementing the Duke Energy programs on campus. They included Chief Financial Officer Chuck Williams, Facilities Director Eric Nianouris, Maintenance Supervisor Billy Kluttz, and Electricians Mike Overcash and Billy White.
Gianna Manes, Duke Energy senior vice president and chief customer officer, made the award presentations, while Yolanda Simms, Catawba's Duke Energy account manager coordinated the event. Ronnie Taylor, Duke Energy's managing director of business relations, offered congratulatory remarks.
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