FRANKFORT, KY – September 13, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Gov. Steve Beshear announced today that Kentucky will receive $500,000 to support energy efficiency projects that will lower energy bills for Kentucky families and businesses, boost job growth, and increase investment in companies that deliver energy-saving technologies. The funding comes from grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy to 12 states totaling $28.5 million.
“These funds will help Kentucky become more energy efficient through the education of consumers and utility stakeholders,” said Gov. Beshear. “As stated in my seven-point energy plan for the Commonwealth, energy efficiency is the quickest and most economic way for us to realize our goal of becoming more self-sufficient in terms of energy use and costs. This funding will help us achieve that goal.”
Kentucky’s award falls under the category of Stimulating Energy Efficiency Action, which assists states in generating the necessary policy and program frameworks to support short and long-term investments in energy efficiency.
“Kentucky will use the funding to create policy mechanisms for investor-owned, cooperatives and public utilities that create incentives for investment in energy efficiency,” said Energy and Environment Secretary Len Peters. “This will create an environment conducive to energy efficiency initiatives and a network of local capabilities to carry out market transformation for energy efficiency that is sustainable over time.”
The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance, in partnership with Mississippi, and the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, in partnership with Kentucky, will create lasting market transformation for energy efficiency in the Southeastern United States, a region that has traditionally lagged far behind other regions in this area. The alliances will use funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to support policies and programs that will lead to utility investment in efficiency in the Southeast and Midwest, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gases through a reduction in energy consumption.
The funding also helps achieve the goals set by Gov. Steve Beshear’s Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future: Kentucky’s 7-Point Energy Strategy. For more information please visit www.energy.ky.gov.
Contact:
Kerri Richardson
Jill Midkiff
502-564-2611
