Ohio offers manufacturers share of $2.2M in energy grants

RP news wires, Noria Corporation

Ohio Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson recently announced the availability of a total of $2.2 million in new Energy Loan Fund (ELF) grants for advanced energy technologies and energy efficiency. The Ohio Department of Development's (ODOD) Office of Energy Efficiency (OEE) administers the grants.

“With today's high energy costs, I'm glad that the state has programs dedicated to providing assistance for alternative energy projects," said Johnson, who also serves as state development director. “These grants will benefit businesses, homes and schools interested in cleaner, more advanced energy technologies. I encourage all Ohioans to consider the renewable energy technologies available to them."

The grants can be used for advanced energy technology projects including: business, industry and residential uses of solar and wind electric, solar thermal systems and other renewable energy systems. Funds are also available to manufacturing facilities and small businesses, within the state, implanting energy efficiency measures.

To be eligible, applicants and projects must be located in the service territory of one of Ohio's four investor-owned electrical utilities: FirstEnergy, Dayton Power and Light (DP & L), American Electric Power (AEP), and Duke Energy (formerly CINergy). Grant applicants will be accepted and reviewed on a first-come-first-served basis until all funds have been distributed.

In addition to grants, the OEE administers low-interest loans for renewable energy systems and retrofits that improve the energy efficiency of homes, businesses and institutions. The ELF was originally established in 1999 and in 2003 legislation was amended to authorize up to 10 percent of ELF receipts to be awarded as grants.

 

Details about the ELF, including the new grant requirements and project applications are available online at: www.odod.state.oh.us/cdd/oee/elfgrant.htm

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