The U.S. Department of Energy has extended the deadline for its “Save Energy Now” campaign offering mid-size and large businesses the opportunity for free energy assessments.

The new application deadline is December 20.

Mid-sized businesses will benefit from 550 energy assessments conducted by DOE's Industrial Assessment Centers under the second phase of the "Save Energy Now" initiative. Housed at 26 universities nation-wide, the IACs work with local manufacturers to conserve energy and reduce the generation of waste through the identification and application of new technologies for process improvement.

Lehigh University IAC serves the eastern two-thirds of Pennsylvania. Assessments in western Pennsylvania are conducted by the West Virginia University IAC.

The Department of Environmental Protection is strongly encouraging all large and mid-sized manufacturers to participate in DOE's initiative.

In addition, the industrial component of the initiative "Save Energy Now" will offer industry opportunities to reduce energy use and save money by providing direct on-site support, educational workshops, energy-saving assessment software, and related resources.

The complete suite of energy-saving tools is currently available on DOE's Industrial Technology Program website

For additional information or to sign-up for a free assessment visit DOE's "Save Energy Now" webpage or call the Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Information Center at 1-877-337-3463.

Small businesses can also go to the Environmental Management Assistance Program run by Pennsylvania Small Business Development Centers for free help in looking for energy cost reduction opportunities.

To register for an on-site assessment performed by DEP's Office of Energy & Technology Deployment, contact Ric Illig at 717-772-5834 or send e-mail to rillig@state.pa.us .

12/2/2005