State energy grants available for business

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s small businesses can cut costs by improving their energy efficiency through the state’s recently created Alternative Energy Investment Fund. Acting Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger recently announced the opening of the $3 million Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program — the first program available through the $650 million fund signed into law by Governor Edward G. Rendell last July. “The Small Business Energy Efficiency Grants, and other programs through the Alternative Energy Investment Fund that will be announced in coming months, are part of Governor Rendell’s commitment to create good jobs, secure our energy independence, and foster a cleaner environment.” Hanger unveiled the new grant program at Die-Tech Inc., a precision metal stamping company that is evaluating energy-efficiency upgrades to its heating and cooling system. To qualify for a Small Business Energy Efficiency grant, projects must save at least 20 percent of the applicant’s annual energy costs and at least $1,000 a year in energy costs. The grants will provide up to 25 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $25,000. Beginning Monday, applications are available at www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program. Applications will also be available by contacting the Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Energy and Technology Deployment. Call 717-783-8411 or e-mail ra-sbgrants@state.pa.us. Applications must be received by May 1. Grants will be awarded to eligible applicants on a first-come, first-served basis until the $3 million in available funds are depleted. Grants will apply to energy efficiency improvements on systems such as lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration and process machinery, as well as building insulation and weatherization improvement projects. Only project costs incurred today and in the future are eligible for funding. An eligible applicant must be an independent, for-profit small business with 100 employees or fewer whose business or facility is located within Pennsylvania. Examples of small businesses in Pennsylvania that are eligible include manufacturers, retailers, service providers, mining businesses and agricultural operations. The Alternative Energy Investment Fund will make $650 million in new capital available to enable Pennsylvania to compete more effectively in the global clean energy economy, with more than $237 million targeted toward helping families and small businesses conserve electricity and manage higher energy prices. Other Alternative Energy Investment Fund programs are now in development. Of the $650 million fund, $500 million will be provided through bond financing through the Commonwealth Financing Authority. The highly anticipated Pennsylvania Sunshine Program that will provide up to 35 percent of the costs for residential and small business solar energy projects will be available once the bond is issued. For more information, visit www.state.pa.us, keyword: Small Business Energy Efficiency Grants Program.