Author Archives: Sherry Cockerham

September 13, 2023 – Department of Environmental Protection: Small Business Advantage Grant Program – Apply before 3/22/23

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Department of Environmental Protection: Small Business Advantage Grant Program, may be of interest to some of our members

Who May Apply: For-profit businesses in PA with a primary physical location in PA and 100 or fewer full-time employees. Commercial real estate businesses and tenant businesses may also be eligible if they meet the criteria outlined in the program guidelines.

Use: The Program is a first-come, first-served grant program that provides matching grants to assist small businesses undertaking energy efficiency, pollution prevention or natural resource conservation projects.
Funds: $1 million in grant funding is available for this funding round for grants between $5,000 and $8,000.

Application Deadline: Grants will be accepted through March 22, 2024 or when funds are exhausted, whichever occurs first.

More information: DEP Website

October 2023 – SEI Newsletter, Are you capturing all of the benefits and cash grants for your company?

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Hello,

  1. Are you sure that you know what you are paying for in the company’s Energy bills? Attend the SEI event on October 19 at our conference center in Exton.  The True Impacts of Alternative Energy on Your Utility Bill will provide examples and case studies will be presented showing both favorable and detrimental scenarios based on the type of utility invoicing. The goal of this program is to educate the audience on how alternative energy projects can affect your “bottom line” allowing for improved decision making. Register at  https://True_Impacts_of_Alt_Energy_on_Your_Bill_Oct19.eventbrite.com.
  2. There will be millions of dollars spent, your tax dollars, The PA DEP and Penn College of Technology are asking you to participate in a virtual meeting and provide your valuable input for their Weatherization / Energy Program on October 24th 10 – 11 am via zoom. The goal is to get a cross section of employers about desired skills, expertise and certifications that are needed to do work in the energy sector. Companies can register at Weatherization Workforce Stakeholder Forums (constantcontactpages.com).
  3. As Federal funding begins to hit the market and fund Energy projects, we expect that you may need to expand your workforce and wish to hire people not only with a strong work ethic but some skill and industry knowledge. SEI would like to determine if your company is eligible for a Clean Energy Workforce Development Grant from the PA Department of Labor & Industry. Access a quick form here to get started CLEAN ENERGY GRANT FORM. These grants can help create a recruiting and hiring plan customized for your organization. Learn where people are being trained in Solar, Energy Efficiency, Newer Building Codes, Geothermal, Building Management etc.
  4. SEI has cash grants right now to reimburse your company up to 50% of energy related training costs. Access an easy form to get started, and learn more SEI CASH TRAINING GRANTS.
  5. FYI: The DOE, in collaboration with its Partnership Intermediary, ENERGYWERX, has re-opened applications for small and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs) to receive grants of up to $300,000, at 50% cost share, to implement recommendations made in Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) assessments and/or DOE Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP) assessments – including what are now called “Onsite Energy TAP” assessments – and, once qualified, other assessments submitted previously for qualification as “IAC-equivalent.”

If you have any questions or suggestions, please call me. I answer my cell 8 am – 8 pm 7 days a week. I understand that you have a business to manage and will call you back if I miss your call.

Jim

Jim Lauckner

Project Consultant

Smart Energy Initiative, SEI

Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC)

Eagleview Corporate Center, 737 Constitution Drive, Exton, PA 19341

Direct Office: 610-321-8231 Main Office: 610-458-5700  Cell: 215-470-2684   Fax: 610-458-7770

Email:  jlauckner@ccedcpa.com

 

October 2023 – CHP Grant information with Q&A session on Oct. 19th at 1:00 p.m.

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DOE, in collaboration with its Partnership Intermediary, ENERGYWERX, has re-opened applications for small and medium-sized manufacturing firms (SMMs) to receive grants of up to $300,000, at 50% cost share, to implement recommendations made in Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC) assessments and/or DOE Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP) assessments – including what are now called “Onsite Energy TAP” assessments – and, once qualified, other assessments submitted previously for qualification as “IAC-equivalent.”

View LinkedIn post on it here and DOE’s press release here.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed quarterly. The deadline to be include in the next quarterly review cycle is December 31, 2023 at 5 pm ET.

A DOE Objective Strategic Session (OSS) question and answer session will be held monthly, with the next one occurring on October 19, 2023 at 1 pm ET. Register here.

October 3 and 4, 2023 – Geothermal Training at CCEDC 8am-5pm in Exton

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October 3, 2023 – Basic Troubleshooting Geothermal:  Basic Troubleshooting covers many introductory and refresher topics to prepare a technician to perform diagnostics on our equipment. This course covers loop types, basic geothermal heat pump principles, and the refrigeration cycle. The course also includes how to troubleshoot a geothermal heat pump from the water and refrigeration systems, leak detection, TXV diagnosis, reversing valves, and other water source heat pump components. Basic component replacement is discussed, as well as controls and air and water-side analysis. This one day class is the perfect course for a new technician or a seasoned technician looking to brush up on skills. REGISTER: https://Basic_Troubleshooting_Geo_Training_Oct3.eventbrite.com

 

October 4, 2023 – Flow Centers Application, Installation & Diagnostics:  This one day module will cover the basics of flow center selection and sizing with GDS pressure drop calculator demonstration, basic installation practices, troubleshooting, pump slaving, impact of water quality on pump life and warranty. This class also includes flushing of both pressurized and non-pressurized flow centers as well as antifreeze selection and safety practices. REGISTER: https://Flow_Centers_Application_Installation_Diagnostics.eventbrite.com

Instructor Bio – Jay A. Hammond, WaterFurnace

Jay Hammond has been in the geothermal heating and cooling industry for well over 30 years.  Jay started his career literally “in the trenches” installing loop systems for a contractor, later moving to installation and service for various HVAC/R systems.  He has been employed by two major geothermal heat pump manufacturers in positions including Field Technical Service Advisor, National Training Manager, and National Accounts Manager.  He also has been employed by a large geothermal contractor and has experience with consumer sales and all other aspects of contracting.  Mr. Hammond is currently Training Manager for WaterFurnace, International.  He believes that training is paramount to successful geothermal systems and satisfied customers.  Mr. Hammond has had many published papers and articles and has been invited to speak at various trade conventions and assemblies.  Mr. Hammond is also listed as inventor for a geothermal heat pump system patent.

Mr. Hammond is a NATE Instructor and Proctor, IGSHPA Instructor, a NCCER Level 1-4 HVAC Instructor, and is certified as an instructor with various other organizations and State authorities.  In his spare time, Mr. Hammond is an NRA Certified Instructor and coaches youth firearms teams.

 

October 19, 2023 – The True Impacts of Alternative Energy Solutions on your Utility Bill – 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

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The True Impacts of Alternative Energy Solutions (Renewables, CHP and EV Charging Projects) on your Utility Bill.

Join us for a strategic “look behind the curtain” as we explore the true impacts of Renewables, CHP and EV charging projects on your gas and electric utility bills.

Presenter Bio:

David Ferro, CEO of Optics Consulting LLC has over 25 years as an energy advisor.  Starting his career with Hess Oil and Columbia Gas, Dave is now the owner of an energy management and engineering firm.  Dave and his team at OPTICS Consulting are actively managing fortune 100 companies’ energy spend, use of energy, as well as their greenhouse gas objectives. He is passionate about solving energy problems and supportive of the use of innovation to achieving objectives.  Dave’s experience working for both utility, public and private sectors provides him with a diverse background for making informed energy market decisions.

October 17, 2023 – World Geothermal Energy Day – events through the fall with this topic!

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SEI would like to remind our members to celebrate World Geothermal Day on October 17, 2023!

>>Learn more

From worldgeothermalenergyday.org:

World Geothermal Energy Day is October 17, Annually

  • Showcasing Geothermal Success around the Globe
  • People engaging together with ideas, interaction, commemoration, recognition and education.
  • A celebration of geothermal and the people who make it happen.
  • Highlighting the environmentally friendly benefits of renewable geothermal energy, worldwide.
  • Renewable, reimagined, re-engineered; a net-zero carbon system.

On October 17th, consider:

1) Commissioning and starting up your new Geothermal System on World Geothermal Energy Day for maximum media attention.

2) Sign your new deal for a Geothermal Installation on World Geothermal Energy Day for maximum social media outreach.

 Bottom of Form

THE LATEST NEWS IN GEOTHERMAL ENERGY

 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz Praises Eavor’s Technology

https://www.eavor.com/blog/german-chancellor-olaf-scholz-praises-eavors-technology/

Alberta Minister of Environment and Protected Areas Rebecca Schulz promotes Eavor-Loop™ technology in Germany

https://www.eavor.com/blog/alberta-minister-of-environment-and-protected-areas-rebecca-schulz-promotes-eavor-loop-technology-in-germany/

 Startups Are Shaking Up Geothermal Power’s Prospects

https://www.powermag.com/startups-are-shaking-up-geothermal-powers-prospects/

How the Salton Sea could supply enough lithium to meet total U.S. demand

https://www.cnbc.com/video/2022/05/04/how-the-troubled-salton-sea-could-supply-the-us-with-green-lithium.html

Geothermal Coming of Age: A Short History

https://www.phcppros.com/articles/17798-geothermal-coming-of-age-a-short-history

Drilling starts for the first commercial Eavor-Loop in Geretsried, Germany

https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/drilling-starts-for-first-commercial-eavor-loop-in-geretsried-germany/

 Advancing Geothermal Energy

https://www.geothermal-advancement.com/

Who are we?

http://lageo.com.sv/

ELECTRIC POWER and ENERGY TRENDS

Eavor Loop visit | Scholz pledges 10 times more geothermal heating by 2030

https://www.rechargenews.com/energy-transition/eavor-loop-visit-scholz-pledges-10-times-more-geothermal-heating-by-2030/2-1-1506423

Eavor signs agreement for Eavor-Loop geothermal project in Northern California

https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/eavor-signs-agreement-for-eavor-loop-geothermal-project-in-northern-california/

Eavor Technology reports validation of its Eavor-loop scalable geothermal technology

https://www.thinkgeoenergy.com/eavor-technology-reports-validation-of-its-eavor-loop-scalable-geothermal-technology/

UPCOMING EVENTS (please let us know of any upcoming events that we should share)

 World Geothermal Congress 2023 September 14 to 23

https://www.wgc2023.com/wgc2023/en/

 

Geothermal Rising Conference 1-4 October 2023 in Reno, Nevada.

https://grc2023.mygeoenergynow.org

IGSHPA Annual Conference December 5 – 7, 2023 Las Vegas, Nevada Convention Center.

2023 is also NGWA’s 75th anniversary.

https://igshpa.org/igshpa-annual-conference-2023

September 6-7, 2023 – Time to Scale Up! KEEA and EEA NJ conference in Mt. Laurel.

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>>https://eeaofnj.org/time-to-scale-up/<<

Wednesday, September 6

8:00 – Complimentary Breakfast
9:00 – Welcome & Keynote
Speaker: Senator Troy Singleton (Majority Whip, NJ State Senate)

10:00 – Panel
National Funding, Local Impact: Deploying Federal Incentives at State Energy Offices
Speakers: David Althoff (PA DEP), Maddie Koewler (NASEO), & Catherine Klinger (Gov. Murphy’s Governor’s Office of Climate Action)
Moderator: Camille Moore (American Association of Blacks in Energy)

11:15 – Panel
Perspectives on Decarbonization
Speakers: Patrick Migliaccio (NJ Natural Gas), Carolyn Sloan (Oracle), Leo Sommaripa (DNV), & J.R. Tolbert (Advanced Energy United).
Moderator: Theo Love (Green Energy Economics Group)

12:30 – Lunch

1:45 – Panel
New Jersey’s Energy Efficiency Landscape
Speakers:  Mike Ambrosio (NJCEP), Susanna Chiu (PSE&G), Anne-Marie Peracchio (NJNG), & Stacy Ho Richardson (BPU)
Moderator: John Kolesnik (EEA, KEEA, & EEA-NJ)

3:15 – Panel
Pennsylvania’s Energy Efficiency Landscape
Speakers: Rob Altenburg (PennFuture), Kathy MacWilliams (PECO), & Tom McAteer (PPL)
Moderator: Andrew Dieck (Performance Systems Development)

4:30 – Networking Happy Hour

Thursday, September 7

8:00 – Complimentary Breakfast

9:00 – Second Keynote
Speaker: Christine Guhl-Sadovy (Commissioner, NJBPU)

9:45 – Panel
Multiple Challenges, Multiple Opportunities: Energy Efficiency & Multifamily
Speakers: John Jensen (MaGrann Associates), Lindsey Samsi (Pennrose), Lisa Shulock (Philadelphia Energy Authority), & Brendan Thomas (CMC Energy)
Moderator: Julie de Seve (CLEAResult)

11:15 – Panel
Raising the Bar: Pushing Building Performance Standards With Emerging Strategies
Speakers: Philip Chao (BPU), Amanda Clevinger (Bright Power), Alex Dews (IMT), & Luke Surowiec (ICF)
Moderator: Renwick Paige (EIP)

12:30 – Lunch

1:45 – Panel
Distributed Energy Resources
Speakers: Baird Brown (Eco(n)law), Elowyn Corby (Vote Solar), Manuel Esquivel (Enel), & Russ Newbold (C-Power)
Moderator: Kevin Warren (Warren Energy)

3:00 – Closing Keynote Speaker & Remarks

4:30 – Dismissal

*Please note that schedule, content, and speakers are subject to change

September 26, 2023 – Sustainability Summit – 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

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SEI is sharing this event for the County.

The Sustainability Summit will take place at Penn State University, Great Valley.

Follow this link for more information https://www.chescoplanning.org/AboutUs/SustainabilitySummit.cfm

Save the Date! Chester County’s first-ever Sustainability Summit will be held on Tuesday, September 26th from 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Penn State Great Valley’s Conference Center.

To support the implementation of the county’s Climate Action Plan, this free event will feature engaging presentations that municipalities, businesses, institutions, non-profits, and anyone who loves our planet can use related to energy efficiency and renewable energy, vehicle fleet transition to alternative fuels, sustainable landscape options, and funding and financing opportunities and local case studies for all of these topics (plus more!). A full agenda and registration will be posted in August.