Energy: A DRIVING force
Energy is a DRIVING force in the state’s economy. Pennsylvania is the second-largest producer of natural gas in the U.S. and home to the largest unconventional natural gas field in the world which is driving down energy costs and opening new opportunities for businesses and manufacturers. Furthermore, the abundance of natural gas has lowered wholesale electricity prices over 40 percent in the last six years. This has saved the average household nearly $1,000 a year with even greater savings for commercial and industrial customers. In addition, purchased natural gas cost rates have been lowered by more than 50 percent. For the first time in 100 years, Pennsylvania is a net exporter of natural gas.
UGI
UGI provides natural gas to businesses and homes in the region. With more than 90% of UGI’s natural gas supply coming from the Marcellus shale, their customers are benefiting from this locally produced, plentiful, and lower cost supply.
The Marcellus Center
The Marcellus Center brings together into one place Penn State’s considerable expertise and leadership on issues related to Marcellus and other gas shale development. As such, the Center is a valuable resource for the diverse group of stakeholders involved with or affected by exploration and production of natural gas.
Natural Gas Fired Power Plants – Hummel Station
- Largest Coal-to-Natural Gas Power Conversion Project in the United States
- Retired Sunbury coal-fired power plant to be replaced
- Plant will be fueled with Marcellus Shale gas; power approximately 1 million homes
- 1,124 megawatt facility to occupy 18-acre parcel of Sunbury Generation’s 192-acre Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zone (KOEZ)
Natural Gas Pipeline Projects
Thousands of miles of new pipelines in Pennsylvania are planned to transport Marcellus Shale gas. The Energy Information Administration says that about 4,600 miles of new interstate pipelines could be completed by 2018. That’s on top of the 6,800 miles of existing pipelines as of April, 2014.
- The Renewable Energy Program provides financial assistance in the forms of grants and loan funds to promote the use of alternative energy in the Commonwealth. The program is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the direction of CFA.
- Why Do Business in PA – Reduce Energy Costs – Testimonial from businesses that relocated to Pennsylvania to reduce their energy costs by 40%.
Pennsylvania will continue to unveil a number of new energy conservation programs and alternative energy investment programs that will benefit the state’s power consumers at work and at home and protect the environment.
- Small Business Advantage Grant – The program offers a 50% matching grant to Pennsylvania small businesses to acquire equipment or adopt processes that promote energy efficiency or eliminating waste and pollution.
- Penn Future (Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future) – Provides extensive information on grants, funding and other sustainable initiatives in the Commonwealth. Their mission is to create a future for Pennsylvania where nature, communities and the economy thrive.
Alternative Energy
FACTS:
- Pennsylvania receives 80% of the average daily sunshine of Florida.
- Pennsylvania is second only to California in the number of LEEDs certified buildings.
Central Pennsylvania has many incentives and initiatives to encourage the growth of alternative energy manufacturers and parts manufacturers. In addition, there are programs to help you keep your energy costs at bay.
Regional Resource Links
- Energy Resource Center (ERC) is the Pennsylvania heartland’s center for renewable energy and energy efficiency technologies and expertise. The ERC is launching a comprehensive outreach, training, and technical assistance program to help create a market for energy efficiencies and pollution prevention practices in our region. They also plan to be able to provide training and technical assistance to private sector technical service providers to help meet needs in the emerging “green economy.”
- Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF) develops and invests in economically viable, energy-related businesses, projects and educational initiatives. Their focus is creating innovative, market-based technologies and solutions for environmentally sound and sustainable energy usage. SEF provides financial assistance and attractive funding options including: commercial loans and business partnerships in central ad eastern Pennsylvania.
- The Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority (PEDA) is an independent public financing authority. Its mission is to finance clean, advanced energy projects in Pennsylvania. The authority presently can award grants, loans, and loan guarantees. For more information, click here.
Regional University and Research Center Links
- Penn State University BioMass Center
- Penn State Renewable and Alternative Energy Center
- Penn College of Technology Developments in Green Technology
- Penn College of Technology Workforce Development Natural Gas Coursework
State Resource Links
- Pennsylvania Wind
- Database of State Incentives for Renewable Energy (DSIRE) for Pennsylvania
- PA Office of Technology and Energy Deployment works with citizen’s groups, businesses, trade organizations, local governments and communities to help them reduce pollution and save energy. Part of that effort includes encouraging the deployment and use of innovative environmental and advanced energy technologies, including renewable energy.
- Renewable Energy Program — Geothermal and Wind Projects. The Renewable Energy Program provides financial assistance in the forms of grants and loan funds to promote the use of alternative energy in the Commonwealth. The program is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under the direction of CFA.
- Why Do Business in PA – Reduce Energy Costs – Testimonial from businesses that relocated to Pennsylvania to reduce their energy costs by 40%.
Pennsylvania will continue to unveil a number of new energy conservation programs and alternative energy investment programs that will benefit the state’s power consumers at work and at home and protect the environment.
- Small Business Advantage Grant – The program offers a 50% matching grant to Pennsylvania small businesses to acquire equipment or adopt processes that promote energy efficiency or eliminating waste and pollution.
- Penn Future (Citizens for Pennsylvania’s Future) – Provides extensive information on grants, funding and other sustainable initiatives in the Commonwealth. Their mission is to create a future for Pennsylvania where nature, communities and the economy thrive.
Federal Resource Links
- DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) Information
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory (NVFEL) develops national regulatory programs to reduce mobile source related air pollution, evaluates emission control technology, tests vehicles, engines, and fuels and determines compliance with federal emissions and fuel economy standards.
- ASES (American Solar Energy Society)
- NESEA (North East Sustainable Energy Association)
- RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network)