Pennsylvania’s Energy Reduction Grant Program provides a financial incentive to learn and apply the best operating practices that improve the efficiency of primary energy-using systems as well as helpful workshops.

The grant program requires participation in a U.S. Department of Energy Industrial Technology Program workshop co-sponsored by the Department of Environmental Protection.

The DOE workshops address compressed air, steam, motor, fan, pumping, and process heating systems. Organizations eligible to apply for a grant include industrial and commercial businesses, institutions, and municipal drinking water and wastewater treatment operations located within Pennsylvania. Plant managers, engineers, equipment operators, and maintenance staff often benefit most from workshop participation.

Annually, the DEP co-sponsors several “Best Practices” workshops at locations throughout the state with support from a variety of commonwealth organizations.

Up to 10 grants of $1,000 each will be awarded to eligible applicants that participate in a workshop, apply best operating practices presented during the workshop, and report achieved energy savings to DEP within a four-month application window following each workshop.

Project applications judged “best in class” following review by DEP staff will receive a grant. Applications are evaluated on multiple criteria including: sustainable energy and economic benefits, technical merit, the application of workshop “Best Practices,” and completeness.

August 15 is the application deadline for participants at the Steam System Assessment workshop to be held in April 16, 2009, in Ridgeway, Elk County.

Two additional workshops are currently being scheduled for this fall: September 23 at the Chester County Economic Development Council in Exton and another in October with details to be announced.

Visit the DEP’s Industrial Energy Resources webpage Events Calendar for full details.

Application packets will be available following each workshop on DEP’s Energy Reduction Grant webpage. Questions regarding grant project eligibility and organizations interested in sponsoring a workshop may contact DEP Program Specialist Richard Illig at 717-772-5834, or send email to: rillig@state.pa.us .

For more information on Pollution Prevention/Energy Efficiency and Industrial Energy Resources, visit DEP’s Energy Resources webpage.

For more information on the DOE’s Industrial Technology Program webpage.

8/1/2008