The Brownsville Public Utilities Board (BPUB) has earned a national Award of Merit from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for its video communications campaign, “Energy Conservation: It Starts With You!” The award was presented during the 2025 APPA Customer Connections Conference held in Salt Lake City.

BPUB was recognized in the Video Category for utilities with similar gross revenues competing against municipally owned utilities nationwide.

The award-winning campaign was developed entirely in-house and encouraged residential and small business customers to reduce energy use through simple, practical habits. Videos highlighted topics such as thermostat adjustments, window efficiency and reducing “energy vampires,” which are devices that continue to consume power even when not in use.

During the first month alone, the campaign generated significant engagement across multiple platforms, with a combined 157,000+ total views.

By combining education with creative messaging, the campaign promoted energy-efficient practices, reduced peak demand, and helped customers lower their utility bills. In addition to supporting individual households and businesses, the effort aligned with BPUB’s long-term mission to promote environmental stewardship and expand community sustainability efforts.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from APPA,” BPUB General Manager & CEO Marilyn D. Gilbert said. “This award reflects the hard work and creativity of our team and supports our mission to empower customers with tools that lower their costs, decrease demand on the system, and help build a more sustainable future for Brownsville.”

BPUB continues to invest in innovative outreach strategies, energy-efficiency programs, and rebate opportunities that benefit customers while strengthening the region’s electric system.

To view some of the videos featured in the winning campaign, visit the BPUB YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/@BPUBOfficial.

For media inquiries, please contact Alexa J. Perez, Division Manager of Communications, Public Relations & Digital Platforms, at [email protected] or call (956) 596-3361.