Governor Rendell: State Investments Helping Small Businesses Realize Big Energy Savings

Governor Rendell: State Investments Helping Small Businesses Realize Big
Energy Savings

Energy Efficiency Grants Helping to Cut Energy Costs in Half, Saving $1.8
Million

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell
announced today that 165 small businesses in 43 counties will slash their
energy bills nearly in half and save $1.8 million annually in energy related
costs with the help of Small Business Energy Efficiency grants from the
commonwealth.

"It is important for everyone to conserve energy because doing so saves
money," said Governor Rendell. "These small businesses wisely recognize that,
so with the help of Pennsylvania's investments, they are taking advantage of
an opportunity to make their operations more energy efficient and reduce
costs. This is a sound, common sense business decision that's good for their
operations, good for their employees and customers, and good for
Pennsylvania's economy."

The 165 small business grant recipients, which employ nearly 3,000 people,
will see a 48 percent reduction in their annual energy bills, which now total
more than $3.7 million. Funds were allocated on a first-come, first-served
basis.

Combined with the awards announced today, the Small Business Energy Efficiency
grant program has awarded $2.3 million to 218 companies this year. These
businesses will save more than $2.2 million in the first year and more than
$22 million over the life of the new technologies they have incorporated.

The Small Business Energy Efficiency grants are the first program under the
$650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund Governor Rendell signed into
law in July 2008. It provides a 25 percent reimbursement grant up to $25,000
to help Pennsylvania small businesses--those with 100 employees or
less--acquire equipment or adopt processes that promote energy efficiency.
Eligible projects include purchasing and installing geothermal heat pumps,
energy efficient HVAC systems, lighting and refrigeration systems, insulation
and air sealing projects, among other examples.

For more information and to review the list of small businesses receiving
grants, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Small Business Energy
Efficiency Grants.

Media contacts:
John Repetz, DEP; 717-787-1323
Michael Smith, Governor's Office; 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

John Repetz of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection,
+1-717-787-1323, or Michael Smith of the Pennsylvania Governor's Office;
+1-717-783-1116