The latest projections from the U.S. Energy Information Agency show energy costs will increase at least 30 percent this winter.

How can small businesses deal with these energy cost increases without going under?

Turn to the Environmental Management Assistance Program run by Pennsylvania’s Small Business Development Centers for help in looking for energy cost reduction opportunities and then the funding to carry them out.

“We start by asking a company to provide us with the last 12 months worth of energy bills and talk about their energy use,” said Christopher Lynch from SBDC. “We look for the easy things first, like if they turn on and don’t use equipment, gasket leaks in doors and exhausting heat into areas a business is trying to cool.”

“For one client, Tripps Grill in North Bend, PA, our consultant found something as simple as the business being classified in the Large General Service electric rate, instead of Small General Service, which saved them hundreds of dollars a year” said Lynch.

After the initial consultation, the EMAP program offers small business a free site visit to do a walk through assessment to develop specific recommendations on their processes, lighting, equipment and building construction.

“Our consultants also have information that benchmarks a business against industry averages so we can tell almost right away if a company’s energy use is above average,” said Lynch. “We can also bring in other resources as needed to help a company.”

EMAP can also lead businesses to funding opportunities, like the Small Business Advantage Grant Program run by the Department of Environmental Protection, that offers grants of up to $7,500 to finance energy efficiency improvements.

Lynch offered these 10 simple, low-cost ideas to help small businesses reduce energy costs now:

· Reduce your building’s heat loss from drafty windows and doors. Check window and door seals and caulk and seal as necessary;

· Have an HVAC contractor service your heating system to maintain optimal efficiency.

· Insulate your hot water heater and hot water pipes;

· Install a programmable thermostat. Lower your thermostat by at least 10 degrees during unoccupied times;

· Utilize your ceiling fans in the winter. Most ceiling fans have a switch that reverses the blade motion and draws the hot air from the ceiling down to the working floor;

· Remove wall-mounted air conditioner units, if possible;

· Check the air filter on your heater and replace as necessary;

· If you’re replacing a heating system, make sure that it is properly sized and has the Energy Star label;

· Check your past utility bills to know what you spend on heating; and

· Not sure what to look for, contact EMAP to review your utility bills and help identify costs savings at your facility.

EMAP can also help business join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star for Small Business Program which, in addition to advice, can provide marketing benefits for a company interested in showing off its green side.

“We realize it’s tough for people to change the way they work, especially if they need financing,” said Lynch. “But we can help companies overcome these obstacles and save them real money in ways that help their bottom line.”

EMAP also offers small businesses help with environmental compliance questions, worker health and safety information, help in picking, developing and marketing green technologies and in pollution prevention and waste reduction.

The program also runs the Material Trader Program where one business’ waste becomes another business’ raw material.

To read about some of their success stories, visit the EMAP Success Stories webpage.

EMAP is just one of the programs offered by the Small Business Development Centers to help businesses improve their operations. SBDC centers are available at 16 locations around the state.

For more information on the free and confidential services offered through the EMAP Program and the SBDC throughout Pennsylvania, visit the EMAP website or call toll-free 877-ASK-EMAP.

10/21/2005