In October 2005, San Mateo County Community College District was recognized for its ongoing commitment to saving energy, money and protecting our natural environment with a Flex Your Power Award. The Flex Your Power Awards originated in 2001 to acknowledge outstanding leadership in energy efficiency that helped California through the energy crisis A total of 35 businesses, local governments and institutions were selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 260 applications for the award. The combined energy savings of the 35 award winners totals $71 million dollars and 275 million kWh -- enough to power more than 45,000 homes.