EEI Award Recognizes Companies for Corporate Citizenship

In late October, the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) announced the winners of this year’s Corporate Citizenship Award during its Powering Engagement conference. Presented annually and selected by a panel of executives, the award recognizes EEI member companies for innovative programs that support the growth and development of the communities they serve. 

This award highlights exceptional projects across three categories: Economic Development, Volunteerism, and Workforce Development. 

“Our member companies don’t just power American homes and businesses—they empower communities,” said EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney. “This year’s award winners reflect our industry’s deep commitment to improving customers’ lives and ensuring the local communities we serve thrive. I’m proud to recognize their extraordinary efforts.” 

Duquesne Light Company (DLC) received the award in the Economic Development category for its Community Impact Grants (CIG) program. The company provides microgrants of up to $10,000 to small nonprofits serving the Pittsburgh region—targeting those that may have otherwise been left out of traditional funding streams due to their size. Since 2021, CIG has awarded more than $1 million to more than 130 organizations addressing needs like food insecurity, housing, education, and resilience. 

“We believe the path to a clean energy future for all includes listening to those closest to the challenges and empowering them with the tools and resources needed to drive change,” said Duquesne Light Company President and CEO Kevin Walker. “The success of our Community Impact Grants reflects the dedication of DLC employees who thoughtfully administer the program and the leadership of the nonprofits doing the work on the ground."

Entergy received the award in the Volunteerism category for its efforts to create a more sustainable Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans. Entergy and its employees partnered with Grounds Krewe to reduce the more than 2.6 million pounds of waste generated during the annual festivities every year. The initiative has helped recycle more than 50,000 pounds of waste annually and provided nearly 800,000 throws to Mardi Gras organizers last year, which helps to reduce environmental impacts on the city and surrounding communities. 

“We are grateful to be named the 2025 EEI Corporate Citizenship Award winner for volunteerism. Our partnership with Grounds Krewe to create a more sustainable carnival celebration reflects Entergy’s dedication to fostering the growth, development, and well-being of the communities we serve," said Entergy Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility Patty Riddlebarger. "By embracing initiatives that honor tradition and promote environmental awareness, we are proudly preserving the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras while reducing the environmental impact.” 

Exelon received the award in the Workforce Development category for its STEM Academy program. Recognizing the need to inspire and support the next generation of talent in the energy sector, the Exelon Foundation launched the STEM Academy in 2018 to introduce teen girls to careers in science, technology, engineering, and math and expanded the effort in 2024 to include boys. To date, 1,240 young women and 60 young men have participated in these free, week-long summer programs, and the foundation has awarded full-ride scholarships to 34 students. 

“We are proud to share this wonderful recognition from EEI with the 1,700 students who have participated in the Exelon Foundation’s STEM Academies so far,” said Exelon Vice President of Corporate Relations and Exelon Foundation President Paula Conrad. “The EEI Corporate Citizenship Award is a celebration of their curiosity, drive, and promising futures. We’re privileged to help open doors and empower the next generation of leaders and innovators in the energy industry within the communities we serve.” 

Learn more about the winning companies and all of the Corporate Citizenship Award finalists at eei.org.