There are only two free solar energy systems left as part of the Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign which have already been awarded to 18 communities.

This campaign is a partnership between the Sustainable Development Fund of Pennsylvania and SmartPower. With global warming, energy efficiency, and clean power at the forefront of news today, local communities are aggressively looking for ways to begin using clean energy.

This program assists cities, boroughs and townships located in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties with purchasing clean energy.

The basis of the campaign is to award a free 1 Kilowatt Solar Energy System to the first 20 communities that commit to purchasing 20 percent of their electricity from clean energy by 2010. This Solar Energy System has a market value of $10,000, so it is highly coveted by these municipalities.

To qualify, communities need to pass a formal resolution to commit to purchase 20 percent of their electricity from clean energy by 2010 and community residents and businesses must sign up to purchase clean energy from one of the local clean energy suppliers.

The PA Clean Energy Communities Campaign also requires that either 7 percent of the local households must purchase clean energy or the new clean energy purchases within the community must be the equivalent to 60,000 kWh per month, approximately 200 new customers

“Marple is happy to be one of the 20 towns in our region that have made the commitment to purchase 20 percent of our energy from clean renewable energy being generated in PA. It is important that government set the example so we can generate more of our energy needs locally and reduce imported oil,” stated John Butler, Marple Township Commissioner.

“Thanks to the hard work of SmartPower, the Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign is doing much to build awareness and support for clean energy in southeastern Pennsylvania,“ said Roger Clark, manager for technology and policy at the Sustainable Development Fund. “SmartPower is doing a great job growing the demand for clean energy in southeastern Pennsylvania by helping local municipalities and their residents sign up to purchase clean energy and by working cooperatively with the clean energy marketers.”

“Already 18 communities have committed to this campaign, making it clear that municipalities are ready to do their part to make a difference.” stated Molly Tsongas, SmartPower Pennsylvania State Director. “SmartPower works closely with all local community members to help them sign up citizens in their communities for clean energy. We want every municipality to become a Clean Energy Community,” continued Tsongas.

For more background, visit the Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign webpage.

4/20/2007