May 2009 

Energy Efficiency Program Update

As 'energy efficiency' and 'reducing Pennsylvania's dependence on foreign oil' have become headline catch phrases within the past year, there are now several funding programs available for Lancaster County businesses that are taking on "green" projects or projects that involve energy efficiency. While EDC does not directly administer many of the "green" funding streams, we have assembled a quick list of programs that have been brought to our attention. Please check out the programs and links and keep in mind that EDC Finance has additional funding resources that can be packaged together to help finance other costs associated with a project.  Check out the EDC Finance website for more information: www.edcfinancecorp.com.

Energy Efficiency Program Quick List: 

PPL LEED Certification Program - Up to a $5,000 reimbursement for registration fees, certification fees, and design review of an LEED project in the PPL service territory.    www.pplelectric.com

USDA Rural Development Renewable Energy Programs - Grant funding up to $500,000 and guaranteed loan options for rural small businesses implementing or improving energy efficient projects. www.rurdev.usda.gov

Solar Energy Program - Grants up to $5,000 per job created, loans up to $35,000 per job created, and loan guarantees up to 75% for activities that invest in the generation and use of solar energy OR the manufacturing of solar equipment panels and components. www.newpa.com

Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) - Grant funds for facilities and equipment related to alternative energy component manufacturing and the generation of alternative energy. New program looking for 'ready to go' projects, with applications due by May 29. www.depweb.state.pa.us

Pennsylvania Sunshine Program - Rebates of up to 35% of project costs for the installation of solar electric and hot water systems for residences and small businesses. The program was newly created and will begin accepting applications in May 2009.  www.depweb.state.pa.us.

Small Business Energy Efficiency Grant Program  - Grants up to $25,000 or 25% of project costs for equipment and processes that improve energy efficiency for companies with less than 100 employees.  Energy efficiency improvement projects include lighting, heating, cooling, refrigeration, process machinery, building insulation, and building weatherization. www.depweb.state.pa.us

Renewable Energy Program (Wind & Geothermal) - Grants up to $5,000 per job created, loans up to $35,000 per job created, and loan guarantees up to 75% for activities that invest in the generation and use of geothermal and wind energy OR the manufacturing of geothermal and wind energy components. www.newpa.com

High Performance Building Program - Loans, grants, and loan guarantees up to $2 million for a small business with 100 employees or less and up to $100,000 for individuals for design, construction, and renovation costs associated with high performing energy efficient buildings.  www.newpa.com

Pollution Prevention Assistance Program - Loans for up to $100,000 or 75% of project costs at a 2% interest rate for machinery and equipment acquisition that reduces pollution, energy use, or raw material consumption in a small business with less than 100 employees. www.newpa.com

Click on the Financing Programs tab at www.edcfinancecorp.com to read about other funding sources available for Lancaster County projects. Call 717-397-4046 for details.

Other Issues

2010

• February (RZFBP)
• January (SBA 504 Fee Elimination)

2009

• December (PIDA)
• September (SBA 504 Debenture)
• August (PIDA Expansion)
• July (FIF & Benchmark Interest Rate)
• June (SBF & FIF Changes)
• May (Energy Programs)
• March (Bankers' Update)
• January (SBA Update)
• January (SBA 504)