Some of the most dramatic business changes have come in the fields of Alternative & Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Conservation.  To help you understand these new technologies, and take advantage of available energy saving programs, Cumberland County Economic Development (CCED) has created an Energy Savings Guide to help answer your energy questions  and direct you to the resources needed to make informed decisions.  CCED is always looking for ways to help local businesses save money and ENERGIZE their business.

CCED's Energy Savings Guide - Click here to download the guide in MS Publisher.  Information in the guide is listed below with active links.

WHY SHOULD YOU CONDUCT AN ENERGY AUDIT?
An energy audit allows you to review, evaluate, and plan steps you can take to make your building more energy efficient.  Audits reveal where your building is losing energy and when corrected, which repairs will result in the greatest amount of cost savings.

DO-IT-YOURSELF AUDITS
You can perform an Energy Audit by conducting a detailed walk-through of your building.  Keep a checklist of inspected areas and the problems you find which will help you prioritize your energy upgrades.

For a guide on conducting a Do-It-Yourself Audit, follow this link to the U.S. Dept. of Energy’s website:  http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/energy_audits/index.cfm/mytopic=11170

PROFESSIONAL ENERGY AUDITS
Professional Energy Audits involve detailed building inspections to give recommendations on all possible energy savings.  For a guide on preparing your location for a Professional Energy Audit, go to the Dept. of Energy’s website:
http://www.energysavers.gov/your_home/energy_audits/index.cfm/mytopic=11180

HAVE A FREE AUDIT PERFORMED
To request a free Energy Audit of your business, go to http://www.askemap.org/greenyourbusiness
Click on the “What is an Energy Assessment” link on the right side of the page.  This program is sponsored by the Shippensburg Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

For more information on SBDC programs, please contact:

Charles haney, Environmental Consultant, 717-477-1935 or cjhaney@ship.edu

WHY SHOULD YOU CONSIDER SWITCHING UTILITY PROVIDERS?

Pennsylvania now allows businesses and residents to choose their electric supplier in order to obtain the lowest prices, products, or services you desire.  The ability to switch is dependent on your location as competitive offers and suppliers may not yet be available in all areas.  The following websites will allow you to shop for Electricity, Natural Gas, Telecommunication providers, and provide information on bill paying, conservation and other FAQ's.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

PA Power Switch

Special Energy Programs only available to Cumberland County Businesses

Any business located in Cumberland County that joins a local Chamber of Commerce can take advantage of that Chamber's Energy Programs.  These programs offer reduced electricity rates through buying pools, free energy audits, and energy saving strategies.

West Shore Chamber of Commerce - has partnered with OnDemand Energy Solutions to help participating members by creating power buying pools which allow members to save on their commercial energy bills.  For more information call the Chamber at 866-699-9968

Greater Carlisle Area Chamber of Commerce - has also partnered with OnDemand Energy Solutions so participating members can join a buying pool to save on their electricity costs.

Mechanicsburg Chamber of Commerce - has partnered with Affiliated Power Purchasers International (APPI) to offer members free energy audits and purchasing recommendations.

Pennsylvania's Energy Programs

Pennsylvania has a number of programs to assist businesses and residents cut energy costs.  It is not known how long these programs will be funded so interested parties should apply immediately.

Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED)

For DCED Energy Programs click here

For all other DCED funding programs click here

PA's Energy Independence Strategy - click there if you are Interested in learning more about PA's residential and consumer energy initiatives.

Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) - DEP has many grant and loan programs to assist residents, businesses, and non-profits fund energy and environmental issues.

For more information regarding any of these programs please contact:

Omar Shute

Executive Director

717-240-7182

Omar@cumberlandbusiness.com