Penfield Receives $145,500 Energy Grant

October 29, 2009 - The Town of Penfield has received a $145,500 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The $3.2 billion program empowers local communities to make strategic investments to meet the nation's long-term goals for energy independence and leadership on climate change.

EECBG grants are designed to create jobs, reduce total energy use and reduce fossil fuel emissions. To receive its allotted formula grant, the town of Penfield worked with Blue Springs Energy to prepare and submit the necessary application the U.S. Department of Energy in June, 2009.

The town of Penfield will use its EECBG funds to conduct New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) audits of the Highway Department and Don Mack buildings, for installation of energy efficient lighting in the Penfield Community Center gymnasium and Town Hall auditorium, and to replace original Town Hall windows with contemporary energy efficient materials.

Funds will also be used for a compact fluorescent bulb giveaway to Penfield residents to promote residential adoption of green technology. The Energy Star website claims that if every U.S. home replaced just one incandescent light with a CFL, the energy saved would be enough to light more than 3 million homes for one year – the greenhouse gas equivalent of 800,000 cars. The giveaway will be added to a yet to be determined future energy conservation event.