Energy Efficiency Grant Workshop In Meadville February 24

Small businesses in northwestern Pennsylvania looking for help to reduce their energy costs are encouraged to attend one of two workshops on how to apply for Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program from the Department of Environmental Protection.

 

The workshops will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on February 24, in the DEP Northwest Regional Office, 230 Chestnut St., Meadville.

 

“These workshops are for independent, for-profit small businesses with 100 employees or fewer whose business or facility is located within Pennsylvania,” said DEP Northwest Regional Director Kelly Burch. “These job-creating businesses are facing a growing list of challenges, with rising energy costs a key concern. The goal of these workshops is to provide information on potential ways to bring energy costs under control.”

 

Presenters at the workshop will explain the program’s requirements and application process, and will review energy conservation measures for small businesses.

 

Small businesses, such as manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining businesses and agricultural operations, can use the grants for energy efficiency improvements on lighting, heating, cooling and refrigeration systems, as well as process machinery, building insulation and weatherization projects.

 

Qualifying projects must save the business at least 20 percent annually off its energy costs or 20 percent in comparison to the system being replaced. The project must also save the business at least $1,000 a year in energy costs. Grants will cover up to 25 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $25,000.

 

Applications must be received by May 1. Grants will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the available funds are depleted.

 

Those interested in attending one of the workshops must register by sending email to: twilley@state.pa.us. The email must include the names of attendees and the business. Additional information is available by calling Kammy Halterman at 814-332-6191.

 

Applications and additional grant program training resources are available at the DEP Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant webpage or by contacting DEP’s Office of Energy and Technology Deployment, 15th Floor, Rachel Carson State Office Building, 400 Market St., P. O. Box 8772, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8772. Applications can also be obtained by calling 717-783-8411 or by sending email to: ra-sbgrants@state.pa.us.