The Metropolitan Edison Company/Pennsylvania Electric Company Sustainable Energy Fund (managed by the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies) is offering a special Energy Audit grant program for the second year in a row. Nonprofit organizations within the fund territories are encouraged to apply for the Energy Audit program, which will distribute grants to cover the cost of professional energy audits for buildings they own and operate. Applications are available by clicking here and are due no later than June 30, 2014.
Energy audits are an important first step toward a goal of reducing kilowatt hours and improving operating costs for many existing buildings. This program is open to any nonprofit organization that is located within the fund territories. To determine whether a nonprofit is eligible, refer to the territory map at http://www.metedpenelecsef.org. The Met Ed/Penelec service territory covers a wide area across the state. Another way to determine if an organization is within the territory is by looking at a recent utility bill to see which company provides its electricity.
All applications will be reviewed by the fund’s advisory committee, who will make the final recommendations on which organizations will receive the grants. If your building is approved for a grant, we will provide a list of approved energy auditors from which you can request a quote.
During an energy audit a trained specialist will study the energy usage of a building by reviewing bills and statements and determining the amount of energy used by onsite equipment, lighting, and windows, etc. The auditor will spend time at the building to understand each organization’s energy uses and needs. After the evaluation is complete, the auditor will prepare a written report that recommends ways to save energy. If an organization, upon reviewing its energy audit, determines that substantial savings could be made by implementing some of the suggested upgrades, the Sustainable Energy Fund may be able to offer a performance-based loan to get the work done.
The Met Ed/Penelec SEF is one of four funds that were established across the state as the result of deregulation and subsequent settlement agreements by Pennsylvania Electric Utilities. The Met Ed portion of the fund is managed by Berks County Community Foundation, whose mission is to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. The Penelec portion of the fund is managed by the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies which builds professionally managed assets for its donors to support their philanthropic interests in Cambria, Bedford and Somerset counties.
Posted on May 22, 2014 at 12:40 PM by Angie Berzonski
