OLYMPIA – Manufacturing facilities located in Washington may be eligible for industrial-incentive funding through the WSU Extension Energy Program.
The funds are intended for facilities in need of additional support for approved energy improvement projects.
This is one of the efforts in Washington resulting from Enron settlement dollars from the energy crisis scandal in 2000 to 2001.
With $1.2 million of the $9 million in funding, the WSU Extension Energy Program — chosen by a committee comprised of stakeholders and legislators — will help conduct energy assessments and teach industrial businesses how to become more energy efficient.
“We are pleased that Washington decision makers chose to tap into our energy efficiency expertise,” said Jake Fey, director of the WSU Extension Energy Program. “We are ready to jump in and help make a difference for our state.”
Eligible projects will include lighting retrofits, steam system improvements, energy efficiency improvements in pulp and paper mills, and refrigeration improvements. Both thermal and electric energy savings are eligible.
“Ideal candidates are energy efficiency projects in need of funds to help ‘tip the scales’ into implementation,” said Todd Currier, division manager at the WSU Extension Energy Program.
The WSU Extension Energy Program can provide up to $100,000 per project. Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis and may be coupled with utility incentives to offset the cost of a project. Utilities are encouraged to recommend clients to the WSU Extension Energy Program for potential funding.
Manufacturers unsure of possible project opportunities within their facilities can contact the WSU Extension Energy Program for an energy assessment.
“This is a unique opportunity for Washington,” said Christine Love, project manager at the WSU Extension Energy Program. “Our state has limited incentive funding opportunities and, without this assistance, many projects would not move forward.”
Love said that the goal is to have all funds obligated by early 2010. Manufacturers chosen to receive funds will have until late 2010 to complete their projects.
Businesses and individuals will both benefit from several state efforts using Enron settlement dollars. Utilities throughout the state received over $6 million to reduce heating expenses for low income households and to support weatherization programs that improve heating efficiency. Battelle received $1.6 million to fund a program that teaches commercial building owners how to make their structures more energy efficient.
