OTHELLO - Othello’s J.R. Simplot is one of the first two french fry producers to win the 2009 Energy Star Award given by the federal government.

The other is the J.R. Simplot plant located in Aberdeen, Idaho.

“We were not surprised,” said Simplot spokesman David Cuoio. “We knew our plants at Othello and Aberdeen were energy efficient in 2009.”

The award is not given by nomination and vote. It is the result of on-going observation of all industrial plants by the Environmental Protection Agency.

In order to qualify for the award, a plant must score in the top 25th percentile in the EPA’s energy performance rating system. The award was given to 53 industrial sites in 2009.

“We’re very proud to receive the award,” said Don Sturtevant, Simplot’s manger of energy purchasing. “I think this sets us apart from many other companies and demonstrates our commitment to energy excellence.”

Cuoio said Simplot officials expect the Othello and Aberdeen plants and other plants to win the award. He said Simplot works on energy efficiency and conservation because “it’s the right thing to do” for the employees and the community.

“And it certainly improves the bottom line,” he added.

J.R. Simplot, a privately held company, has operations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and China and markets its products in 40 countries. It is involved in numerous enterprises.