The Department of Environmental Protection this week awarded 29 small businesses grants to conserve energy and reduce waste totaling more than $186,000 in Small Business Advantage Grants.

“Energy costs are one of the leading concerns for businesses today and, as the national economy begins to slow, those companies that can conserve power and improve energy efficiency will be better able to weather this economic downturn,” said Gov. Rendell. “These grants have helped encourage investments by our small businesses that are keeping them competitive in the market, promoting environmental stewardship, and bolstering their bottom line.”

The grant program provides a 50 percent match of up to $7,500 for equipment or processes that reduce energy consumption, promote pollution prevention, and increase profitability. Examples include high-efficiency heating and cooling systems, motion sensors that shut off lights when rooms are empty, and auxiliary power units that allow long-haul truckers to turn off their engines during layovers without sacrificing heat and electricity.

The grants will leverage more than $2.9 million in private investments by small businesses.

A list of grantees is available online.

2/1/2008