Pennsylvania DEP Offers Energy Workshops for Small Businesses

"Pennsylvania is committed to helping its small businesses and manufacturers remain competitive during these tough economic times," said DEP Acting Secretary John Hanger. "These workshops will make it easier for businesses to cut their energy bills by providing guidance on federal and state programs that help reduce demand, make buildings more energy efficient, and keep our businesses competitive."

Workshops will be held at seven locations around the state and will offer businesses information on energy supply options, illustrate how to identify energy cost-saving opportunities and explain how to develop an energy action plan. In addition, information about financial and technical resources for energy-efficiency upgrades will be available. Particular emphasis will be given to easily implemented, cost-effective changes for small commercial and industrial facilities.

In January, Governor Edward G. Rendell unveiled the first two programs available through the Alternative Energy Investment Fund that will provide $237 million to small businesses and families to help conserve electricity and manage higher energy prices.

Applications for the Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program and Renewable Energy Program are now being accepted and will also be highlighted during the workshop.

The workshops are sponsored by DEP's Office of the Small Business Ombudsman in partnership with the Electrotechnology Application Center, the Pennsylvania Technical Assistance Program, SBDC Environmental Management Assistance Program, IMC Inc., The Pittsburgh Green Innovators, SMC Business Councils, Elizabethtown College, Indiana County Chamber of Commerce, Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Bucks County Community College, Wilkes University Environmental Engineering/Earth Sciences Department and the PAEP Pollution Prevention/Energy Efficiency Roundtable.

Funding for the Energy Management Workshops is provided through a U.S. Department of Energy grant. Registration for the workshops is free, and the sessions are open to the public.

To register, visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Ombudsman, then click on "Upcoming Events."

For more information or to apply for the Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program or the Renewable Energy Program, visit http://www.depweb.state.pa.us and click on the "Fueling Energy Savings" icon.