Dec 22 2009
Governor Edward G. Rendell announced an investment of $1.5 million in six projects that are intended to preserve or generate sufficient electricity to power over 2,000 homes every year. The funds for these six projects were granted through the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority. The settlement of a ratepayer case between Duquesne Light Company and the Public Utility Commission paved way for the availability of funds.
More than 20.3 million kilowatt hours of electricity will be generated by these projects and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions of about 1,300 tons per annum, which is equal to eliminating 231 cars from the highways.
The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority will receive $6 million for the energy projects under the terms of the 2006 ratepayer settlement. These energy projects will directly benefit ratepayers in the Duquesne Light Company’s service area. The settlement has helped to fund eight projects and the money being distributed will end in 2010.
The grants were offered to non-profit organizations, schools, business, local government and industry. A total of 16 applications were received and they were later graded based on environmental benefits and financial and technical factors. Six applicants were selected from these 16 applications and they include two geothermal projects and four energy efficiency projects.