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PA DEP Offers Energy Workshops Statewide To Help Small Businesses Improve Efficiency, Cut Costs

Posted on: Wednesday, 25 March 2009, 11:28 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Environmental Protection will provide free workshops this spring to help small- and medium-sized businesses reduce energy costs and increase profits. Workshops will be held at seven locations around the state.

"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."

The workshop 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.

Registration for the workshops is free, and the sessions are open to the public.

The workshops will be held from 8 a.m. to noon on the following dates at these locations:

• April 2 at Gannon University, Waldron Campus Center, Yehl Ballroom, 124 West 7th St., Erie
• April 29 at Penn College of Technology, Thompson Professional Development Center, Mountain Laurel Room, 1 College Ave., Williamsport
• May 6 at Connelley School, Auditorium, 1501 Bedford Ave., Pittsburgh
• May 19 at Elizabethtown College, Brossman Commons Student Center, Event Space Room, 1 Alpha Dr., Elizabethtown
• May 27 at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Crimson Event Center, Corner of Maple Street and Pratt Drive, Indiana
• June 2 at Bucks County Community College, Penn Hall Room 257, 275 Swamp Road, Newton
• June 3 at Wilkes University, Henry Student Center Ballroom, 84 West South St., Wilkes-Barre

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.

DEP's Office of the Small Business Ombudsman provides assistance to small businesses needing help with environmental issues and helps businesses realize the potential cost savings of pollution prevention and energy conservation strategies.

To register visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: Ombudsman, then click on "Upcoming Events." For more information or to request a registration form, call 717-783-8411.

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

CONTACT: Julie Stone (717) 787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

Source: PR Newswire

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