(Hazleton, PA – August 28, 2008) – With energy costs predicted to rise dramatically in the next few years, local business representatives learned more about how to save their companies’ money during CAN DO’s Energy Solutions Seminar held on August 20th.

More than 30 people attended the seminar, which was sponsored by CAN DO, PPL and Co-exprise Energy Marketplace.

“The energy seminar was aimed specifically toward the companies in CAN DO’s industrial parks and corporate center, but information discussed would be of interest to any business. We wanted to provide information on the anticipated increased price of energy and also provide solutions to encourage energy efficiency, options for large users to purchase energy cheaper, and the use of renewable energy sources,” said Bernadette DeBias, Director of Economic Development for CAN DO. “In today’s economy, helping a company save money can contribute toward the retention of jobs in the local economy,” she said.

Presenters included John Murray, PPL; Chris Cracraft of Co-exprise; Tim Ostrosky, Northeastern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (NEPIRC); Mike Donnelly, Premier Power; Jennifer Hopkins, Sustainable Energy Fund; and Pete DeMartis, Smartwatt Energy Services, Inc.

Murray led off the seminar by explaining why energy costs are expected to spike. “Costs have increased substantially since 1999, and generation rate caps have protected customers for more than a decade,” he said. “PPL Electric Utilities is preparing customers now for the changes to come.”

He said that in order to save money, consumers can use energy wisely, choose from options that give them more control over their bills and shop around for electricity. Initial projections of rate increases approximate 34.4 percent, but can possibly be more according to early predictions and initial energy purchases by PPL.

Cracraft told seminar participants how Co-exprise helps organizations that use more than 20,000 megawatt hours annually purchase power between 4 and 10 percent cheaper than market rates.

Next, Ostrosky discussed NEPIRC’s goal of helping manufacturers maintain and increase employment. He said that spending less on energy helps accomplish that goal.

“Companies today are becoming increasingly concerned with reducing rising energy costs while also protecting the environment. Energy savings can convert into potential employees, as companies that save money on energy have the finances to hire additional people,” he said.

Ostrosky said NEPIRC provides free energy assessment audits to help companies reduce energy costs and improve their bottom line. “Assessments can be part of an overall energy management strategy that will continue to yield major bottom-line benefits for companies interested in environmental sustainability and controlling energy costs,” he said.

Donnelly discussed the benefits and types of solar power, noting that it can help businesses handle expected increased costs as rates increase for all commodities.
“Solar power is extremely reliable. This technology is the number-one choice where power reliability is a concern, including the Mars land rover, highway emergency phones, offshore navigation buoys and remote communication systems. Also, automatic operation and conditioned electricity are two of the many benefits of this type of power,” said Donnelly, who passed around a solar cell as part of his presentation.

He also said solar power has the benefit of being clean and benefiting the environment. Two-third of the United States’ electricity is produced from fossil fuels (coal, gas and petroleum), making electricity production the top source of air pollution, he said.

DeBias commented that the State of Pennsylvania has recently approved an Energy Independence Strategy that will dedicate $650 million toward energy efficiency and renewable energy. Financial incentives and programs will be finalized by the end of the year.

Hopkins noted that the Sustainable Energy Fund, as a nonprofit organization, offers creative financing options for renewable and energy-efficient products, helping companies save energy and money.

DeMartis then told the business representatives how they could improve the energy efficiency of their companies while still receiving an attractive return on their investment.

“As an energy services company, we look for ways to help companies reduce energy consumption and cost. I hope that the people who attended this seminar will look at their energy expenses and consider how they can lower those costs, ” he said.

DeBias encouraged the representatives in attendance to come to CAN DO with questions or concerns in light of rising energy costs. “We can help companies obtain financing from multiple providers as those businesses work to become more energy-efficient and use electricity from non-traditional sources,” she said. A significant amount of money is available to assist small businesses in energy efficiency improvements as well.

For more information, contact DeBias at (570) 455-1508.