Bellevue and Bellingham share much in common.

Both highly-educated Washington cities with “bell” as a prefix, the two municipalities are also competing to see who can be the most energy conscious.

The two cities are in the running to be the greenest mid-sized city or county in America, as measured by Georgetown University. The winning city will receive a $5 million Georgetown University Energy Prize.

Bellevue is currently 5th, and Bellingham 6th. Anacortes, Walla Walla and San Juan County are also in the running (at 8th, 9th and 12th, respectively).

And now, Bellevue has thrown down the gauntlet in challenging its neighbor to the north.

Fifty cities were selected as semi-finalists as leaders in increasing energy efficiency as much as possible. Among these cities, more than $56 million has been saved since the friendly competition started.

Bellevue Mayor John Stokes was looking forward to possibly claiming the prize, but bragging rights weren’t so bad either.

“The $5 million prize is certainly a strong incentive, but it’s the title of being the most green that we’re after,” he said. “Bellevue strives to be an innovative city, especially when it comes to saving money through energy efficiency. We’re really looking forward to this friendly competition with our Bellingham neighbors!”

A city press release reminds residents that easy ways to reduce energy use include turning down thermostats at night, turning off electronics and washing clothes in cold water. These simple solutions could save between 16 and 20 percent of a Bellevue resident’s average annual energy bill (reducing it to $333 from $417).

Bellevue residents can take a pledge for the Bellevue Energy Smart Campaign in which they promise to reduce energy consumption with the above-mentioned steps and others, such as shorter showers and only turning on lights in rooms being used.

The city finishing in second will send a basket of local food items to the other.

“I am excited that Washington cities are so committed to developing a cleaner, more efficient energy future for our state,” said Bellingham Mayor Kelli Linville in a release. “Bellingham is happy to accept the challenge from Bellevue, and we will be even happier to accept their congratulations when we win the Georgetown prize. Earlier this year, I declared 2016 to be ‘Energy Year’ in Bellingham, and we will be putting forward our best effort.”

Bellevue is increasing its own efforts by adding the “Eastside Energy Corps,” a team of middle- and high-school students spreading the word about Energy Smart.

Bellevue and Bellingham were selected as semi-finalists after submitting detailed plans for long-term energy cutting ideas.

Huntsville, Alabama is currently in the lead. Closely on its heels are Aspen, Colo., Fargo, N.D., and Park City, Utah.

A winner will be announced in summer of 2017.