Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Resources and Economic Development

The goal of the expanded Business Energy Efficiency Program run by the Department of Resources and Economic Development (DRED) in conjunction with a private-sector energy auditor is to improve energy efficiency and reduce the emissions of NH-based companies, to spur investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy, which will in turn stimulate the creation and retention of jobs in the energy services sector. This is an expansion of an existing and successful SEP-funded program, which has also recently won funding from the State’s new Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Fund (funded by proceeds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative auctions).

Objectives for this program under Recovery Act funding include:

1. Provide comprehensive energy audits free of charge to NH-based commercial and industrial companies that are in a position to invest in energy efficiency improvements to their facilities and processes. Selection of companies to receive the free audits is based on criteria determined by DRED in consultation with an experienced energy-consulting firm under contract with DRED to perform the audits.
2. Provide additional special project oversight to companies receiving audits, relating to buildings, manufacturing processes, procurement of materials and equipment, and the securing of financing to carry out the recommendations of the comprehensive audits.
3. Provide technical assistance for 200 additional companies relating to energy audits and energy efficiency, as well as improve and maintain DRED’s Business Resource Center Web site. This will provide both New Hampshire businesses and those considering relocating to the state a reliable first source of information about energy efficiency and renewable energy for commercial, manufacturing and industrial buildings, as well as a reference for energy financing options and opportunities, and technical assistance.
4. Organize and/or promote energy efficiency workshops to business and industry groups as well as manage a training contract with Lakes Region Community College, one of the state’s leading training programs for energy professionals. Leveraged funding for this aspect of the BEEP program was announced on June 12, 2009 by the State’s Public Utilities Commission, which manages proceeds from Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative carbon auctions. Final approval of this grant is anticipated for July 2009.

[BEEP leveraged $172,000 for 2 years from GHGERF]

To Be Awarded: $750,000.00 Overall Program Total: $786,409.09

For more information about this program, contact Mary Downes. (271-1715)