Xcel Energy Inc. (NYSE: XEL) honored Spradley Barr Ford of Greeley as well as Leprino Foods and King Soopers for their “outstanding” efforts to save energy.

The utility recognized a dozen commercial, industrial and small business customers statewide for participating in Xcel’s energy efficiency programs last year.

The companies lowered their energy costs and reduced environmental impacts, Xcel said. Altogether, they saved more than 49 million kilowatt-hours of electricity in a 12-month period. That means the businesses avoided producing more than 28,000 tons of carbon dioxide, similar to keeping more than 7,100 cars off the road for a year.

Xcel offered incentives, such as rebates and funding for energy efficiency studies, to commercial and municipal customers to encourage them to make energy-efficient choices. The companies recognized chose more efficient equipment and processes for their facilities.