Press Release

Pennsylvania Statewide Sustainable Energy Boards Highlight Current Projects

Published on 1/9/2014

Filed under: Electric

HARRISBURG –The Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Board (PASEB), in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), today held its annual meeting in Hearing Room 1 of the Commonwealth Keystone Building, Harrisburg. 

The meeting was held to update Commonwealth agencies and other interested groups on activities of the regional sustainable energy funds (SEFs).

The Sustainable Energy Fund, originating in the PPL Electric Utilities Corp. service territory, highlighted EnergyPath 2013 and the Sustainable Energy Finance Program which is a new program that provides 0 percent loans to municipalities and nonprofit organizations.

 “Our primary focus is on the financial and educational impacts of these programs,” said John Costlow, Director of Technical Services, Sustainable Energy Fund, in his presentation.

The Sustainable Development Fund, originating in the PECO service territory, presented information on lessons learned from energy lending, with special attention on various local projects.

“We’re seeing new players, a new generation of smaller projects that create different challenges and changes in commercial building energy lending,” said Roger Clark, Manager, Sustainable Development Fund in his remarks.

The Metropolitan-Edison Co. (Met-Ed) and Pennsylvania Electric Co. (Penelec)  Sustainable Energy Fund focused on its Energy Audit Program and success of the grant to Erie School District for their “Energy and Education (E2) Plan, which is a comprehensive, education-based energy conservation program.

“Since the Fund’s inception, we are happy to report that we’ve provided 122 grants totaling $2.6 million,” said Heidi Williamson, Administrator, Met-Ed and Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, in her presentation.

The West Penn Power Co.’s Sustainable Energy Fund provided an overview of the programs and projects which it helped co-fund, including efforts to support the use of biomass for thermally-driven, industrial and institutional applications.

“Ideally, we want to ensure that the funds are committed in a sustainable, cost-effective manner,” said Joel Morrison, Fund Administrator, West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund, in his remarks.

Links to the presentations are available online:

Sustainable Energy Fund

The Reinvestment Fund Sustainable Energy Fund

Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund

West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund

The PASEB was originally established by the Commission in 1999 to provide oversight, guidance and technical assistance to the regional sustainable energy boards that fund projects such as wind farms, solar power systems, smart thermostat programs and the construction of buildings using energy efficient technologies.  On Aug. 7, 2003, the Commission issued an order further defining the role of the PASEB. That order charged the PASEB with holding an annual meeting; enhancing communications among the four funds and state agencies; and establishing bylaws and a “best business practices” model

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

For recent news releases and video of select Commission proceedings or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.pa.gov. Follow the PUC on Twitter – @PA_PUC for all things utility. “Like” PAPowerSwitch on Facebook for easy access to information on electric shopping.

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Contact:

• Denise McCracken
  Senior Communications Specialist
  717-787-5722
  demccracken@pa.gov