EEI Announces 2026 Corporate Citizenship Award Winners

EEI Announces 2026 Corporate Citizenship Award Winners

Central Hudson, PPL Corporation, and WEC Energy Group Honored for Impactful Economic Development, Volunteerism, and Workforce Development Initiatives

WASHINGTON (October 28, 2026) — The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) today announced the winners of the EEI Corporate Citizenship Award. Presented annually and selected by a panel of industry executives, the award recognizes EEI member companies for innovative programs that support the growth and development of the communities they serve. 

“America’s electric companies power the communities they serve, and that commitment goes well beyond delivering reliable energy,” said EEI President and CEO Drew Maloney. “Our member companies help anchor their communities. Their employees live and work there, and they understand what their neighbors need. I’m proud to recognize these award-winning programs, which are creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and investing in America’s energy future.” 

WEC Energy Group received the award in the Workforce Development category for its Powering Careers in Energy initiative. We Energies, a WEC Energy Group subsidiary, offers field internship and youth apprenticeship programs designed to introduce high school juniors and seniors from participating Milwaukee County schools to career paths in high-demand utility jobs, including line mechanics, gas technicians, and distribution system designers. 
“The energy grid of tomorrow starts with the investments we make today in the next generation of line mechanics and engineers,” said Scott Lauber, President and CEO of WEC Energy Group. “We’re proud to be recognized by EEI for helping high school students discover the important role they can play in our energy future, while opening doors to careers that are changing lives and strengthening our communities.” 

 

 

 
Central Hudson received the award in the Volunteerism category for completing 125 acts of service and pledging up to $1 million to local organizations in celebration of the company’s 125th anniversary. Through its 125 Acts of Service initiative, Central Hudson employees and community partners supported projects focused on healthy families, community improvement, and education across New York’s Hudson Valley. 
“We are honored to receive EEI's Corporate Citizenship Award for Volunteerism and grateful for the recognition of our employees’ commitment to serving others,” said Joe Hally, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Central Hudson. “Through volunteerism, charitable giving, and partnerships with local organizations, our employees and community partners came together to make a meaningful difference across the Hudson Valley. This award belongs to them. At Central Hudson, we believe our responsibility extends beyond delivering safe and reliable energy. We are proud to help strengthen the communities where our customers, employees, and neighbors live, work, and thrive.” 
PPL Corporation received the award in the Economic Development category for the PPL Foundation’s Be a Housing Hero program. Through the program, the PPL Foundation provides funding to shelters through the United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania to help prevent homelessness among children and families across the region. As of late 2025, more than 2,500 families had benefited from funding distributed through the program since 2023. 
“We’re honored to receive this recognition from EEI for Be a Housing Hero, an initiative that shows what’s possible when businesses, nonprofits, and communities come together around a shared challenge,” said Lissette Santana, Director of External Affairs at PPL Corporation and President of the PPL Foundation. “Through our partnership with United Way and local organizations, we’ve helped families facing housing insecurity remain safely housed and connected to critical support. Most importantly, we’ve helped create a model that can reach even more families and strengthen communities for years to come.” 
Click here to learn more about EEI’s Corporate Citizenship Award. 

 

 

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About EEI

About EEI

EEI is the association that represents all U.S. investor-owned electric companies. Our members provide safe, reliable electricity for nearly 250 million Americans, and operate in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Collectively, the electric power industry supports nearly 7 million jobs in communities across the United States and drives economic growth and prosperity. EEI also includes hundreds of industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate Members.