River Town Energy Audit program accepting applications for audits
Smaller businesses, nonprofit organizations and municipal governments are being invited to submit an application for the River Town Energy Audit program.
According to Lindsay Baxter, project manager for the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, it is a great opportunity for businesses.
“When I talk to people about this program, they immediately think of changes and expenses, but so much of what we recommend is inexpensive and efficient,” Baxter said.
Funded through West Penn Power Sustainable Energy money, the program is now being offered to those qualifying entities in neighboring communities as well. Participation in the program will be open through August.
The River Town Energy Audit Program focuses on improving business districts through street beautification, facade improvements and by providing educational workshops for business owners on what amenities and services visitors want.
“We know that small businesses are trying to stretch every dollar as far as they can, yet we see them throwing money away through energy bills,” Baxter said. “We thought if we could help them to save money through energy-efficiency, that is extra money they have to invest in their businesses and offering additional services.”
Auditors examine and assess the lighting, heating and cooling systems in a building, as well as doors and windows, for air and water leakage. Once the building is inspected, the auditor prepares a report with recommendations for what can be changed and how to prioritize what needs done.
Launched in November, the River Town Energy Audit program recently completed audits for Millsboro Lumber and the California Public Library. Both buildings are older, which leads most people to believe it isn’t feasible to make them energy-efficient, Baxter said.
“There is this misconception about older buildings, that, ‘Oh, it’s an older building,'” Baxter said. “‘It’s an energy hog.’ It’s really the furthest from the truth. An older building can be energy-efficient and comfortable for their occupants.”
Both buildings had outdated, inefficient lighting, according to Baxter. Since then, the California Public Library has updated its lighting to improve the quality of light for its patrons. Millsboro Lumber retrofitted the lighting in its store, which could save nearly 34,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually.
“The reduction in air emissions from this change is equivalent to taking five cars off the road,” Baxter said.
In addition to the environmental benefits from that change, Baxter said it improves the quality of lights for customers and can save up to $3,000 a year in energy costs. Businesses that usually leave their lights on all day could also see a quick payback, Baxter said.
Many nonprofit organization buildings and restaurants have older, inefficient lighting, but West Penn Power has electricity rebates available. The first phase of the West Penn Power rebates for electricity savings will close at the end of the month. Baxter anticipates the second phase will open in July. The rebates and financial incentives will be offered to electricity customers at businesses and schools, as well as homeowners.
“I think in most of the buildings we are looking at in this region, lighting has the quickest payback,” Baxter said.
For more information about the program, call Baxter at 412-481-9400 or email her at lbaxter@pecpa.org.