LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Kentucky industries and businesses can receive help slashing their energy costs through a $2.23 million infusion of federal stimulus money that expands the University of Louisville-based Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center’s services.
The money funds the Kentucky Industrial and Commercial Sustainability Program and comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the U.S. Department of Energy. KPPC will administer the program through a partnership with the Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence.
The funding will expand KPPC’s work in providing energy efficiency and renewable energy recommendations for Kentucky manufacturers, businesses, schools and agencies.
UofL President James Ramsey, Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters and KPPC representatives made the announcement today at Louisville-based Fetter Group, where President and Chief Executive Officer Terry Gill discussed how Fetter already has saved energy and cuts costs by adopting KPPC recommendations.
KPPC has provided on-site assessments to more than 500 Kentucky clients. KPPC Executive Director Cam Metcalf said the expanded program will allow the center to reach out to more companies and clients as well as support those that already have begun to make changes toward more sustainability. The funding is to extend through April 2012.
KPPC energy engineers and technicians will work with businesses to identify and help implement measures that boost energy efficiency. Those services include training in utility bill analysis, energy procurement and development of energy management plans. The goal is for companies to develop programs that cut energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
The Kentucky Industrial and Commercial Sustainability Program is designed to help meet the goals of Gov. Steve Beshear’s energy plan to reduce state energy consumption by 18 percent by 2025.
The center, a part of UofL’s J.B. Speed School of Engineering, provides free, confidential and nonregulatory technical information and assistance. Industrial representatives can find out more about April and June workshops on the program by contacting Metcalf at 502-852-0965 or cam.metcalf@louisville.edu or visiting www.kppc.org More information on ARRA funding is at www.recovery.gov