BEDFORD, CAMBRIA, SOMERSET COUNTIES—The Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund (managed by the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies) is pleased to offer its Energy Audit Grant Program for the fourth consecutive year.
This year, the program has broadened the eligibility requirements to include nonprofit organizations, municipal and county governmental agencies, and businesses located in economically distressed business districts within the Penelec or Penn Power service territory. Eligible organizations within the fund’s territory are encouraged to apply online at www.metedpenelecsef.org, and to view the territory map and case studies from earlier Energy Audit Program participants. Up to five grants will be awarded to cover the cost of professional energy audits for buildings owned and operated by the applicant. The deadline to apply is August 15, 2016. Energy audits are an important first step toward a goal of reducing kilowatt hours and improving operating costs. 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, 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. All applications will be reviewed by the fund’s advisory committee, who will make the final recommendations on which organizations will receive the grants. 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.
For information to apply below is a direct link the websites.
