The Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Board, in conjunction with the Public Utility Commission, Thursday celebrated its 15th Anniversary during the annual meeting in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg.

The meeting was held to update Commonwealth agencies and other interested groups on activities of the regional Sustainable Energy Funds (SEFs).

The PPL Sustainable Energy Fund highlighted EnergyPath 2014 and the Sustainable Energy Finance Program, a program that has committed $1.3 million in low or no interest loans to municipalities and non-profits to help fund 15 projects.

“These are worthy projects positively impacting communities in many ways, helping to train students, educators and dislocated workers in the best practices of sustainability and energy efficiency,” said John Costlow, Director of Technical Services, PPL Sustainable Energy Fund.

Roger Clark, Manager of the PECO Sustainable Development Fund, highlighted a local rehabilitation and retrofit project in Pittsburgh, and pointed to future growth of a non-traditional business model in which energy service companies spearhead the development, financing and operations of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects.

Mike Kane of the Metropolitan-Edison Co. (Met-Ed) and Pennsylvania Electric Co. (Penelec) Sustainable Energy Fund showcased the Conrad Building in Johnstown, where a $500,000 loan through the Fund is funding renovations and helping to transform the 1908 flatiron building into a modern education center. 

Heidi Williamson, Administrator, Met-Ed and Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, then introduced newly-created mapping technology that enables the Fund to track its activity throughout the Commonwealth.

“The new mapping system enables us to track projects by type and by (service) territory, and really understand how projects have evolved and how investments have been switched over the past 15 years,” Williamson explained.

The West Penn Power Co. Sustainable Energy Fund provided an overview of nearly $1.9 million in 2014 funding commitments, including support for a new Elk Country Visitors Center in Elk County, which welcomes more than 350,000 visitors annually, and for Geisinger Health System’s Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Montour County, complete with a 38 kW solar array and energy monitor in the lobby.

“It comes down to the three E’s – economic development, environmental betterment, and education and outreach,” said Joel Morrison, Fund Administrator.  “We’re proud of our ability to partner with municipalities, universities, schools, hospitals and other non-profits to make dozens of sustainable energy projects a reality.”

Links to the presentations are available online:

-- Sustainable Energy Fund

-- The Reinvestment Fund Sustainable Energy Fund

-- Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund

-- West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund

The PASEB was originally established by the Commission in 1999 to provide oversight, guidance and technical assistance to the regional sustainable energy boards that fund projects such as wind farms, solar power systems, smart thermostat programs and the construction of buildings using energy efficient technologies.

On Aug. 7, 2003, the Commission issued an order further defining the role of the PASEB. That order charged the PASEB with holding an annual meeting; enhancing communications among the four funds and state agencies; and establishing bylaws and a “best business practices” model.

For more information, visit the Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Board webpage.

1/16/2015