07/25/2010
Commonwealth Consulting Services will work with the County of Montgomery ‘s EECBG Project Team to provide project management, assisting the project team with compliance, monitoring, and reporting per the EECBG’s requirements. The scope of work will include EECBG project management; education (web site support and out reach seminars); and financial incentive program.
The Commonwealth Consulting Services has procured $332,652 in commercial lighting rebates from PPL Electric Utilities, as of July 22, 2010, for its clients. PPL Electric Utilities Corporation, which is based in PA, offers rebates to offset the higher purchase cost of energy-efficient equipment for businesses. PPL Electric Utilities provides rebates to qualifying businesses that install energy-efficient equipment such as premium efficiency motors, occupancy sensors and wall insulation. Since January 2010, 31 individual projects of Commonwealth Consulting have been awarded PPL Commercial Lighting rebates, with an average rebate amount of $10,731.
SCRANTON – City government buildings will undergo energy-efficiency audits after lawmakers approved a contract with a Dickson City company.
To pay for the project, the city is using part of a $718,500 grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Scranton City Council finalized the contract Tuesday with Commonwealth Consulting Services.
Abington, PA- Township of Abington has awarded Commonwealth Consulting Services a contract to perform the energy audit work and resulting retrofits. CCS was awarded the contract based on qualification and the bid amount. The work from the contract includes conducting energy audits, development of strategy, construction management, energy reporting, and technology analysis.
Scranton, PA – Commonwealth Consulting Services, LLC completed Small Business Advantage Grant Application for four of its Clients and Department of Environmental Protection approved all four. The Grant Recipients are:
CCS is proud to have helped its clients save energy and money.
County of Westmoreland today approved on hiring Commonwealth Consulting Services as a consultant for management of EECBG funding. Commonwealth Consulting Services assisted the county during their application process and will now be performing all the follow up work related to the funding in addition to the management of projects highlighted on the application.
Harrisburg – Pennsylvania is strengthening its position as a leader in solar energy with new investments of more than $5 million in 13 new projects, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today.
“We have made remarkable progress in making Pennsylvania a leader in renewable energy in a very short period of time,” said Governor Rendell. “We’ve invested nearly $1 billion in projects that put more than 8,300 people to work. And now, with the federal Recovery funds President Obama and Congress wisely dedicated to the renewable sector, we’re able to achieve even more growth.” Learn More
YORK — Labor & Industry Secretary Sandi Vito today introduced Pennsylvania’s Green Jobs Report—Part 1 detailing the outlook for green-industry careers and Pennsylvania’s investments in developing a green economy in the coming years.
Joined by employees and representatives of Komax USA, a York-based solar equipment manufacturer, Vito noted that the investment of $10 billion in public and private funds, over the next three years, is expected to generate 115,000 green-industry jobs in the commonwealth. Learn More
HARRISBURG — At a time when the nation needs to create jobs and help families control costs, Governor Edward G. Rendell today said a new study shows that using more clean forms of energy is the solution to both challenges.
Released today, the study by global engineering and consulting firm Black and Veatch said increasing the renewable energy requirements of Pennsylvania’s Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act could create the equivalent of 211,000 new jobs, or 130,000 more than if the state continued to rely on fossil fuels for that share of energy production. Learn More
WASHINGTON – As part of the Obama Administration’s commitment to increasing energy efficiency and reducing costs, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy announced today the creation of the State Energy Efficiency (SEE) Action Network. This network is meant to help states achieve maximum cost effective energy efficiency improvements in homes, offices, buildings and industry by 2020. Strengthening energy efficiency initiatives across the country helps to save money and protect the environment at the same time. Learn More
Washington D.C. — U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today detailed President Barack Obama’s $28.4 billion Fiscal Year 2011 budget request for the Department of Energy, highlighting the Administration’s commitment to create jobs with the development of a clean energy economy, invest in advanced science, research and innovation, maintain a strong nuclear deterrent and secure nuclear materials both at home and abroad, and improve energy efficiency to help curb greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. The FY 2011 budget request also places an emphasis on DOE improving fiscal performance with the proposed creation of a new initiative on Management Reform. Learn More
Workers preparing for green careers in Pennsylvania will have more resources to help them succeed, thanks to a $6 million federal Recovery Act grant announced today by Governor Edward G. Rendell. Learn More
Eight large-scale solar projects in Pennsylvania that will create jobs while generating clean energy will receive a substantial boost from $9.5 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding, Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today. Learn More
WASHINGTON, DC – Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced more than $37 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to support high-efficiency solid-state lighting projects. Solid-state lighting, which uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) instead of incandescent bulbs, has the potential to be ten times more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent lighting. Lighting accounts for approximately 24 percent of the total electricity generated in the United States today – by 2030, the development and widespread deployment of cost-effective solid-state lighting could reduce electricity use for lighting by one-third nationally. The 17 projects selected today include funding for solid-state lighting core research, product development, and domestic manufacturing. Learn More
President Obama announced awardees of the clean energy manufacturing tax credit in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
In order to foster investment and job creation in clean energy manufacturing, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act included a tax credit for investments in manufacturing facilities for clean energy technologies. The Section 48C program will provide a 30 percent tax credit for investments in 183 manufacturing facilities for clean energy products across 43 states. Learn More
Harrisburg – Pennsylvania could slash greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020 by following the recommendations contained in the Climate Change Action Plan presented to Governor Edward G. Rendell today.In combination with other state and federal environmental initiatives, the 52 recommendations could reduce emissions by more than 40 percent.“The recommendations in the plan not only can help stave off environmental devastation due to climate change but will have enormous beneficial impact on our economy,” said Governor Rendell. “The Climate Change Advisory Committee estimates the plan could result in the net creation of 65,000 new full-time jobs and add more than $6 billion to the state’s economy.” Learn More
Harrisburg – Nine new large-scale heat and power projects announced today by Governor Edward G. Rendell will create enough energy to power 180,000 homes for one year and slash carbon dioxide emissions equal to 180,000 passenger vehicles while creating jobs and stabilizing power distribution networks.The combined heat and power, or CHP, projects will receive more than $12 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through Pennsylvania’s Green Energy Works! Grant program. “We must explore all options and make the best possible use of our available resources to meet our future energy needs,” said Governor Rendell. “These large-scale combined heat and power projects maximize those resources by taking a waste formed during one process and putting it to good use in another. This enables us to generate the best possible return on our investments.” Learn More
WASHINGTON, DC – Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today the launch of the Save Energy Now® LEADER Program, which will provide technical assistance and resources to companies that pledge significant improvements in industrial energy efficiency. At an event this afternoon, 32 companies representing a broad spectrum of the U.S. industrial sector will join with DOE Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Cathy Zoi to sign a voluntary pledge to reduce their industrial energy intensity by 25 percent over the next decade. Learn More
Philadelphia – Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today that one of the world’s most competitive and innovative thin-film solar panel producers will open a manufacturing facility in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard, creating 400 jobs and leveraging hundreds of millions of dollars of private investment.The Governor said the planned project by Heliosphera US represents an exciting development for Pennsylvania’s green economy that will bolster the state and city’s reputation as an emerging leader in solar technology and development.“This was a very competitive project and Heliosphera’s decision to locate this exciting facility at the Navy Yard speaks volumes about Pennsylvania’s efforts to build a competitive economic climate and one that encourages growth and innovation in the renewable energy field that will define our future,” said Governor Rendell. Learn More
Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced that Pennsylvania received a $1.25 million Labor Market Information grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help develop green economy jobs for Pennsylvanians. Learn More
Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced Pennsylvania’s Conservation Works! grant program will save more than 570 million kilowatt hours of electricity, generate an additional 14.4 million kilowatt hours, and reduce natural gas use by 2.1 million thousand cubic feet over the lifetimes of the various projects. Learn More. View Project List
Washington, DC – The U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Energy today announced projects selected for more than $24 million in grants to research and develop technologies to produce biofuels, bioenergy and high-value biobased products. Of the $24.4 million announced today, DOE plans to invest up to $4.9 million with USDA contributing up to $19.5 million. Advanced biofuels produced through this funding are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 percent compared to fossil fuels. Learn More
Harrisburg – 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.
WASHINGTON, DC – Today at the White House Tribal Nations Conference, U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu highlighted the Department of Energy’s continued commitment to partnering with Native Americans to support the development of clean energy projects on tribal lands that will help reduce energy use, limit carbon pollution, and create new jobs for tribal communities across the country. Learn More
Washington, DC – Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that more than $38 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is being awarded to 4 states to support energy efficiency and conservation activities. Under DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, these states – Alaska, Kansas, Utah and West Virginia – will implement programs that lower energy use, reduce carbon pollution, and create green jobs locally. Learn More
WASHINGTON, DC— Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that the Department of Energy is awarding more than $155 million in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for 41 industrial energy efficiency projects across the country. These awards include funding for industrial combined heat and power systems, district energy systems for industrial facilities, and grants to support technical and financial assistance to local industry. The industrial sector uses more than 30 percent of U.S. energy and is responsible for nearly 30 percent of U.S. carbon emissions. Learn More
Harrisburg – Governor Edward G. Rendell said today that the new PA Sunshine Solar Program is performing better than expected and has helped to double the state’s solar generating capacity in less than 6 months.According to the Department of Environmental Protection, the program has reached its first incentive milestone for small business rebates—the deployment of 5 megawatts of solar power, or enough to supply electricity to about 575 average homes in the state. Learn More
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced up to $338 million in Recovery Act funding for the exploration and development of new geothermal fields and research into advanced geothermal technologies. These grants will support 123 projects in 39 states, with recipients including private industry, academic institutions, tribal entities, local governments, and DOE’s National Laboratories. The grants will be matched more than one-for-one with an additional $353 million in private and non-Federal cost-share funds. Learn More
Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced that more than 1,000 Pennsylvanians seeking to become weatherization installers, crew chiefs and auditors will receive training through an investment of $1.1 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds. Learn More
ARCADIA, FLORIDA – Speaking at Florida Power and Light’s (FPL) DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center, President Barack Obama today announced the largest single energy grid modernization investment in U.S. history, funding a broad range of technologies that will spur the nation’s transition to a smarter, stronger, more efficient and reliable electric system. The end result will promote energy-saving choices for consumers, increase efficiency, and foster the growth of renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Learn More
Governor Edward G. Rendell hailed today’s announcement by President Barack Obama that Pennsylvania will receive more than $233 million under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create a more efficient and reliable electrical system. Learn More
San Francisco, Calif. – The Department of Energy today announced major funding for 37 ambitious research projects – including some that could allow intermittent energy sources like wind and solar to provide a steady flow of power, or use bacteria to produce automotive fuel from sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. Learn More
The Department of Labor & Industry is seeking applications for $8 million in grants service providers interested in helping employers and creating education, training and employment opportunities for job seekers. Nov. 13 is the deadline to apply for the funding provided through the federal Workforce Investment Act and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Learn More. Submit Application
Harrisburg – A national report ranks Pennsylvania’s growth in wind energy generation as the second-most of any state in the third quarter of 2008, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today.The report by the American Wind Energy Association, or AWEA, shows Pennsylvania continues to be a national leader in building a clean energy economy and in creating green collar jobs – two of Governor Rendell’s strongest priorities. Learn More
Scranton, PA – City of Scranton was awarded the EECBG grant today. Department of Energy (DOE) allocated an amount of $718,500 to the city for implementing energy efficiency projects thorugh Energy Efficiency & Conservation Grant Program (EECBG) for which Commonwealth Consulting Services prepared the application and the strategy. DOE approved the strategy and awarded the full amount of $718,500 to the City today.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Vice President Biden today unveiled Recovery Through Retrofit, a report that builds on the foundation laid in the Recovery Act to expand green job opportunities and boost energy savings by making homes more energy efficient. Joining the Vice President today were Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality; Steven Chu, Secretary of Energy; Hilda Solis, Secretary of Labor; Shaun Donovan, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; and Karen Mills, Administrator of the Small Business Administration. Learn More
Harrisburg – Governor Edward G. Rendell announced today that Pennsylvania has applied for $10.9 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to create a rebate program that will make non-electrical heating, air conditioning and water heating equipment more affordable. Learn More
The commonwealth’s first Citizens’ Update on its Recovery Act spending and programs is now available at www.recovery.pa.gov, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today. Learn more. Read Update.
Washington, DC – U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced new investments today in three university-led wind energy research facilities that will enhance the United States’ leadership role in testing and producing the most advanced and efficient wind turbines in the world. The funding is from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and the research will focus on improving both land-based and offshore wind generation. Learn More
Philadelphia – Pennsylvania’s commitment to energy conservation and green building practices is stimulating the economy and helping to curb emissions of greenhouse gases, Governor Edward G. Rendell today told the Pennsylvania Green Growth Partnership.
“When I called for a state Green Building Code in February, I said that we need to push the envelope on conservation if we are going to become energy independent and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Governor Rendell said. “We need to be doing everything we can to encourage energy conservation and efficiency, as well as promote the increased use of alternative and renewable fuels across Pennsylvania. Making these investments now is even more crucial if we are to continue developing clean energy resources and growing the Keystone State’s green energy manufacturing industry.” Learn More
Philadelphia – Governor Edward G. Rendell said today that the commonwealth is taking another significant step in its efforts to avoid the devastating effects of climate change as he outlined recommendations from the state’s Climate Change Action Plan, which are now open for public comment.
The report recommends 52 actions to help the state reduce greenhouse gas emissions that lead to a changing climate.
The Governor said climate change represents a serious threat to the future Pennsylvania’s economy, environment and the livelihoods of its residents.
“Climate change could be absolutely devastating to Pennsylvania,” said Governor Rendell, noting that Pennsylvania currently contributes 1 percent of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions. “It threatens virtually every aspect of our lives; our infrastructure was designed around a stable climate; many industries like agriculture depend on variations in the seasons; and new diseases that once could not survive here will now be able to flourish in warmer temperatures. Learn more
Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) announced three new steps to strengthen its ability to enforce energy efficiency standards. These new steps are part of the Department’s ongoing effort to save energy for American consumers and businesses by clearing the backlog of energy efficiency standards for appliances and aggressively enforcing energy efficiency standards. This summer, as part of its tougher enforcement efforts under the new Administration, DOE initiated investigations of alleged violations against both an air conditioner manufacturer and a freezer manufacturer. Both investigations are expected to be concluded shortly. Learn More
PPL small business customers will see their rates increase by 18.4 percent while midsize businesses face a 36.1 percent hike, according to the utility. For PPL large commercial and industrial customers who expressed interest in a fixed price option earlier this year, a fixed generation price of 9.2 cents per kilowatt-hour will be offered on the company’s Large General Service (LP-4) rate schedule and 8.95 cents per kilowatt-hour for Large General Service (LP-5) and Large General Service (LP-6) customers. Those customers will have until Nov.9 to decide whether to accept the fixed-price option, choose an alternative supplier or allow PPL Electric Utilities to purchase electricity for them on an hourly basis in the competitive wholesale market. Customers could also elect to be billed on pricing for “peak” and “nonpeak” usage, with higher rates during daytime periods and lower charges in the evenings and early mornings.
Thousands of people are working in Pennsylvania because of funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and millions are receiving direct benefits that help put food on their tables and keep their families afloat, Governor Edward G. Rendell said today. Just six months into the 36-month stimulus initiative, Pennsylvania has nearly 40 percent of the funds that will be available invested or in progress. A U.S. House committee ranks Pennsylvania 7th among states for putting transportation funding to work. Learn More
WASHINGTON, DC – At the opening of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon on the National Mall, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced up to $87 million will be made available to support the development of new solar energy technologies and the rapid deployment of available carbon-free solar energy systems. Of this funding, $50 million comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The 47 projects with universities, electric power utilities, DOE’s National Laboratories, and local governments have been selected to support use of solar technologies in U.S. cities, help address technical challenges, ensure reliable connectivity with the electrical grid, and train a new generation of solar workers to install and maintain solar energy systems. These projects will help speed adoption of solar energy nationwide, while supporting development of a skilled workforce, and continuing to pursue new scientific breakthroughs to increase the efficiency and lower the cost of solar technologies. Read more
Washington DC — U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu today announced the Department of Energy (DOE) will provide up to $750 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to help accelerate the development of conventional renewable energy generation projects. This funding will cover the cost of loan guarantees which could support as much as $4 to 8 billion in lending to eligible projects, and the Department will invite private sector participation to accelerate the financing of these renewable energy projects.
To this end, the Department announced the creation of its new Financial Institution Partnership Program (FIPP), a streamlined set of standards designed to expedite DOE’s loan guarantee underwriting process and leverage private sector expertise and capital for the efficient and prudent funding of eligible projects. Read More
Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced applications are being accepted for funding for large-scale solar projects designed to develop green energy production and jump-start the economy. Learn more. View guidelines. Submit application
Washington, DC – Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that nearly $72 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is being awarded to 7 states and territories to support energy efficiency and conservation activities. Under DOE’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, these states will implement programs that lower energy use, reduce carbon pollution, and create green jobs locally. Follow the link to read the full news:
Washington, DC – U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced today that up to $12.5 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will be awarded in early 2010 to support at least 80 graduate fellowships to U.S. students pursuing advanced degrees in science, mathematics, and engineering through the newly created Department of Energy Office of Science Graduate Fellowship program. The goal of the fellowship program is to encourage outstanding students to pursue graduate degrees in physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, engineering, and environmental and computer sciences – fields that will prepare students for careers that can make significant contributions in discovery driven science and science for national needs in energy and the environment. Follow the link to read the full news:
Washington – Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Energy Secretary Steven Chu hosted a group of clean energy developers and manufacturers at the White House to discuss how the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) is creating jobs and helping expand the development of clean, renewable domestic energy. At the meeting, Secretaries Geithner and Chu announced $550 million in new awards through the Recovery Act’s 1603 program, bringing the total to more than $1 billion awarded to date to companies committed to investing in domestic renewable energy production. Follow the link to read the full news:
http://www.energy.gov/news2009/8038.htm
Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced that large-scale projects that generate electricity from biological materials such as yard, food processing and animal wastes are eligible for up to $5 million in federal funding through Pennsylvania’s Green Energy Works! program.
Harrisburg, Sept 10- State Rep. Jim Wansacz said today that the Commonwealth Financing Authority has approved a $1.2 million loan for Commonwealth Energy Group, LLC, which plans to manufacture energy efficient lighting systems in Old Forge, Lackawanna County.
The loan was awarded through the Alternative and Clean Energy Program.
“I am pleased that the state recognizes the importance of investing in our communities during these tough economic times,” Wansacz said, “This project is expected to create 240 jobs in my legislative direct.”
The Alternative and Clean Energy Program provides financial assistance in the form of grants and loans to be used by eligible applicants for the utilization, development, and construction of alternative and clean energy projects in Commonwealth. The program is administered jointly by the departments of Community and Economic Development, and Environmental Protection, under the direction of Commonwealth Financing Authority.
Commonwealth Consulting Services, in partnership with Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal, and The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce organizedan event, “Northeast Pennsylvania Energy Summit” held at Hilton Hotel Conference Center, Scranton, PA.
The Summit aimed at educating private and public sector senior executives about energy consumption reduction technologies, state and federal financial incentives, and the changing regulatory environment as well as educate accounting professionals about “energy efficient building deductions-Section 179D” & “energy investment tax credit-Section 48C”.
For more information, Visit www.energysummitnepa.com
