To: STATE EDITORS

Contact: Chuck Ardo of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116; or Teresa Candori (DEP), +1-717-787-1323

Calls Investments Part of Ongoing Effort to Help Families, Businesses Conserve Energy, Keep Bills Low

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the help of new state investments announced today by Governor Edward G. Rendell, small businessesfacing rising energy costs will find it easier to implement innovative technologies that improve efficiency, encourage conservation, and reduce waste.

"Small businesses across the state are bracing for high heating costs this winter as they try to cope with the current international financial crisis," said Governor Rendell. "Companies that invest in equipment to reduce their energy costs or cut waste will be better positioned to compete and succeed in this difficult environment. The Small Business Advantage grants help businesses adopt innovative technologies and processes that will improve their bottom line and protect our environment."

The Governor said the commonwealth is investing more than $553,000 through the Small Business Advantage Grant Program that will help 92 companies reduce energy consumption and waste output to lower their expenses.

The Small Business Advantage Grant Program provides a 50-percent match of up to $7,500 for equipment or processes that reduce energy consumption, promote pollution prevention and increase profitability. The program has invested more than $4.2 million in 764 businesses across the state since Governor Rendell launched the program in 2004.

The Governor said the state is working aggressively this year to encourage energy conservation on the part of families and businesses.

The Governor convened seven meetings across the commonwealth yesterday as part of a statewide summit on the need to conserve energy while staying warm this winter as heating costs are expected to skyrocket.

The Governor unveiled the"Turn Down, Seal Off, Save Up" outreach campaign to encourage residents to turn down their thermostats and seal off drafts in order to save as much as $740 in annual heating costs.

The campaign's Web site, www.turnsealsave.org, includes tips on how to make a home more energy efficient; contact information for financial assistance; and an online toolkit featuring resources people and organizations can use to raise awareness in their communities.

"Higher energy costs will put a greater burden on more families and businesses this year," said Governor Rendell. "We're using what financial resources we have available to help those with the greatest need, but assistance can't simply mean money to help pay energy bills. It also must mean help for consumers to conserve energy and improve the energy efficiency of their business so they can drive down their energy expenses."

In addition to the "Turn Down, Seal Off, Save Up" campaign, the commonwealth is making other efforts to encourage conservation and energy efficiency through recently enacted legislation.

Last week, the General Assembly passed legislation first proposed by Governor Rendell nearly two years ago that will make Pennsylvania a leading state in working to encourage energy conservation. These measures will reduce overall energy consumption and peak demand -- or periods when energy prices are highest -- to help save consumers more than $500 million a year.

The legislation also requires every home and business to be outfitted with a smart meter over the next 15 years. A smart meter gives every consumer the power to be a smart consumer by using energy when it is cheapest and cutting their consumption when it is most expensive.

The Governor also signed legislation in July that creates a $650 million Alternative Energy Investment Fund that includes $92.5 million to help save money on small businesses' and families' energy bills by supporting investments in energy conservation and efficiency.

"Pennsylvania's new energy conservation programs and alternative energy investments will benefit power consumers at work and at home, and protect our environment," said acting Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger. "By implementing these conservation measures and generating more of our energy needs from clean energy sources, we will reduce air pollution emissions that lead to climate change and smog."

Programs for small businesses to implement the new energy programs are now in development, and funding is expected to be available soon. Interested parties can sign up for e-mail notification as information on these programs become available by visiting www.depweb.state.pa.us and clicking on the "Fueling Energy Savings" icon. Then click on the green envelope icon on the left-hand side of the page.

For more information on the Small Business Advantage Grant program, visit www.depweb.state.pa.us, keyword: SBAdvantage.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses.To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit www.governor.state.pa.us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Below is a list of the $553,330 in Small Business Advantage Grants, listed by county.

ADAMSCOUNTY

Chris Brown: $4,100 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

ALLEGHENYCOUNTY

Rialto Pizza: $2,306 for high-efficiency restaurant equipment to conserve energy.

Streams of Water Laundry: $7,500 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, water and decrease wastewater.

Spadafora's Bar and Restaurant: $548 for architectural insulation to conserve energy.

McGinnis Sisters Special Food Store: $7,500 for upgraded lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy.

Walco Corp.: $7,400 for two recirculation fans to conserve energy.

The Laundry Basket: $5,258 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, water and decrease wastewater.

ARMSTRONGCOUNTY

The Chief: $7,500 for high-efficiency refrigeration equipment to conserve energy.

BEAVERCOUNTY

American Precision Powder Coating: $7,500 for an upgraded compressor system to conserve energy.

BEDFORDCOUNTY

S and S Appliances: $7,500 for a high-efficiency boiler to conserve energy.

Vacuum Processes Inc.: $7,500 for high-efficiency lighting and heating to conserve energy.

Bonnet Tavern: $7,495 for high-efficiency refrigeration equipment to conserve energy.

BERKSCOUNTY

KBF Enterprises: $7,500 for high-efficiency lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy.

BUCKSCOUNTY

Bless Precision Tool: $7,500 for an upgraded air compressor system to conserve energy.

Associated Rubber: $2,850 for an upgraded air compressor system to conserve energy.

BUTLERCOUNTY

MHF Inc.: $7,500 for two auxiliary power units in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

CAMBRIACOUNTY

C & J Falchini: $3,140 for increased refrigeration unit insulation to conserve energy.

CAMERONCOUNTY

Superior Tooling Technologies: $7,500 for upgraded lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy.

CENTRECOUNTY

Leo's Garage and Towing: $7,500 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

McLaughlin Welding Manufacturing and Sales: $4,856 for waste oil furnace to conserve energy through use of alternate fuels.

Advanced Powder Products: $7,500 for an automated gas control system on retort furnaces to conserve energy.

CHESTERCOUNTY

Curdo's Automotive: $5,437 for a waste oil furnace to conserve energy through use of alternate fuels.

Null's Towing: $5,673 for waste oil burner and furnace to conserve energy through use of alternate fuels.

All-Star Pediatrics: $7,500 for a photovoltaic solar system to generate alternative energy.

Manfredi Mushroom: 7,500 for three auxiliary power units to be installed on long-haul trailers to eliminate idling during layovers.

CLEARFIELDCOUNTY

Summit Car Wash - $7,500 for a high-efficiency boiler to conserve energy.

CLINTONCOUNTY

Lisa's Restaurant: $3,238 for upgraded refrigeration equipment to conserve energy.

PrafulU.Bhatt, MD: $5,023 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

Aurora Leigh Bed and Breakfast: $7,128 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

Heartland Retirement Personal Care Home: $7,500 for upgraded refrigeration equipment to conserve energy.

CRAWFORDCOUNTY

Szymanski Coin Laundry: $7,500 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, water and decrease wastewater.

CUMBERLANDCOUNTY

B. C. Biggs Trucking: $4,750 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

Nester and Mathias Dental Association: $7,500 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

Rockville Enterprises: $7,219 for a high-efficiency boiler with zone controls to conserve energy.

DAUPHINCOUNTY

American Westech: $6,248 for a hydrogen generator to increase laboratory testing efficiency and conserve energy.

Morris Laundromation Services: $7,122 for a high-efficiency hydronic boiler to conserve energy.

ELKCOUNTY

DeLullo's Supermarket: $7,500 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

ERIECOUNTY

American Tinning & Galvanizing Co.: $7,500 for upgraded lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy.

Kubinski Business Machines: $7,500 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

Girard Coin Laundry: $7,500 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, water and decrease wastewater.

FAYETTECOUNTY

WestgateCleaningVillage: $7,500 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, water and decrease wastewater.

FORESTCOUNTY

Forest Lodge and Campground: $1,906 for architectural insulation to conserve energy.

FRANKLINCOUNTY

Laundry Quarters: $7,500 for a high-efficiency hydronic boiler to conserve energy.

FULTONCOUNTY

S&M Transport: $7,500 for five auxiliary power units for long-haul trailers to eliminate idling during layovers.

HUNTINGDONCOUNTY

Earthen Art: $1,250 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

INDIANACOUNTY

Jeff Johns Trucking: $4,559 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

JEFFERSONCOUNTY

East End Laundry: $3,747 for high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, water, and decrease wastewater generation.

Reynoldsville Laundromat: $7,500 for 5 high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, water and decrease wastewater.

JUNIATACOUNTY

Century 21 Above and Beyond: $7,500 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

LACKAWANNACOUNTY

Mike Biondi Transport: $4,658 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

Acker Drill Co.: $7,500 upgraded lighting fixtures to conserve energy.

LANCASTERCOUNTY

Eden East Laundromat: $7,500 for five high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, water, and decrease wastewater generation.

Ronald Kreider: $3,750 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

LAWRENCECOUNTY

Magic Touch Laundry: $7,500 for four high-efficiency washing machines to conserve energy, water and decrease wastewater.

S & S Processing: $7,500 for mulch screener to avoid secondary grinding and conserve fuel.

LEBANONCOUNTY

R D Gilbert Trucking: $6,000 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

LEHIGHCOUNTY

Heidel Hollow Farm: $6,705 for a corn furnace for hay drying to conserve energy.

LUZERNECOUNTY

Corcoran Printing: $7,500 for upgraded lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy.

D W Kocher Transport: $3,705 for an auxiliary power unit in a long-haul trailer to eliminate idling during layovers.

LYCOMINGCOUNTY

West Branch Tennis Club: $7,500 for upgraded lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy.

James Vanderlin Co.: $6,080 for thermal insulation spray foam to conserve energy.

Creekside Country Market: $1,929 for upgraded refrigeration equipment to conserve energy.

Hermance Machine Co.: $7,500 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

Ashley's Real Estate: $7,500 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

DiSalvo's Restaurant: $2,560 for upgraded lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy.

MERCERCOUNTY

Doris Marie Hollabaugh: $7,196 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

MIFFLINCOUNTY

Wilson's Meat and Groceries: $3,209 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

Smith Tire and PerformanceCenter: $3,450 for two high-efficiency furnaces to conserve energy.

MONROECOUNTY

Matirko Hardware: $7,500 for a geothermal heating and cooling system to conserve energy.

MONTGOMERYCOUNTY

The Clean Air Co.: $7,500 for a high-efficiency boiler and insulation to conserve energy.

NORTHAMPTONCOUNTY

Neville Gardner: $7,500 for consolidation of freezers and refrigerators increase energy efficiency of walk-in units.

NORTHUMBERLANDCOUNTY

All Sports America: $7,500 for a high-efficiency furnace and lighting upgrades to conserve energy.

Resilite Sports Products: $2,994 upgraded lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy.

Ben Franklin Craft Store: $7,500 for upgraded lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy.

Susquehanna Fire Equipment Co.: $1,000 for high-efficiency lighting to conserve energy.

Frye's Interiors: $6,204 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

Keystone Pallet and Recycling: $7,500 for waste conveyance, metering and compaction equipment to conserve landfill volumes and improve product handling efficiency to conserve energy.

PHILADELPHIACOUNTY

Penn Scale Manufacturing Co.: $7,500 for an external foam insulation system to conserve energy.

POTTERCOUNTY

Protektor Model: $7,500 for upgraded lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures and a computerized sewing unit to replace five outdated units to conserve energy.

SCHULYLKILLCOUNTY

Hlavaty Plumbing and Heating and Cooling: $7,500 for a geothermal heating and cooling system to conserve energy.

SNYDERCOUNTY

Mike Dupuy Hawk Food: $2,490 for upgraded refrigeration equipment to conserve energy.

Selin's Grove Brewing Co.: $3,217 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

SOMERSETCOUNTY

James F. Barron Trucking: $5,925 for a waste oil furnace to conserve energy by using alternate fuels.

UNIONCOUNTY

Buffalo Bill's Mexican Steakhouse: $3,751 for high-efficiency refrigeration equipment to conserve energy.

Biomass Fuel Stocks of PA: $2,377 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

Mifflinburg Pharmacy: $7,100 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

VENANGOCOUNTY

Rockland Corner Store: $6,902 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

WAYNECOUNTY

Aldenville Log and Lumber: $1,947 for upgraded lighting with individual motion sensors to control new fixtures to conserve energy.

Settler's Inn: $7,428 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

WESTMORELANDCOUNTY

Castle Co-Packers: $7,500 for upgraded pasteurization equipment to reclaim waste heat conserve energy.

ChrystalPalace Bead and Jewelry Studio: $7,500 for high-efficiency heating and air conditioning equipment to conserve energy.

YORKCOUNTY

Red Rose Trading Co.: $6,500 for a solar thermal heating system to conserve energy.

CONTACT:

Chuck Ardo

717-783-1116

Teresa Candori (DEP)

717-787-1323

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

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