4/18 – PA Legislature Voting on Incentive Programs for CNG Vehicles

Thursday, April 18th 2013

From State Impact Pennsylvania:

Credit-Gus-Chan-The-Plain-Dealer-Landov-300x208A package of bills currently making its way through the state legislature would provide millions of dollars of tax breaks to promote the use of Pennsylvania’s shale gas for transportation purposes.

Nine bills are part of the “Marcellus Works” package sponsored by House Republicans. The measures include tax credits, grants, and loan programs to incentivize the use of natural gas in vehicles for mass transit agencies, local governments, and private companies:

House Bill 301: Provides $25 million in annual tax credits for private vehicle fleets to mitigate the cost of converting them to run on natural gas

House Bill 302: Creates $5 million grant program to support smaller mass transit agencies in transition to natural gas buses

House Bill 303: Creates a $7.5 million revolving loan program for large mass transit agencies to transition to natural gas buses

House Bill 304: Provides requirements for large mass transit agencies purchasing new buses to buy buses that run on natural gas. By the year 2028, all new buses must run on natural gas

House Bill 305: Creates a $5 million annual “natural gas corridor” tax credit to promote the construction of natural gas fueling stations along major travel corridors. (Right now, there are only 18 natural gas fueling stations open to the public in Pennsylvania)

House Bill 306: Provides $6 million in annual grants to help cover costs of buying natural gas vehicles for taxi companies, school districts, local governments, nonprofits and businesses

House Bill 307: Exempts natural gas vehicles from California Air Resources Board (CARB) air emission certification requirements. Vehicles will still be required to meet EPA emissions standards

House Bill 308: Provides $6 million in annual “Keystone Vehicle Grants” to promote the purchase of natural gas vehicle fleets

House Bill 309: Provides $30 million in annual tax credits to provide incentives for companies to buy heavy-duty of natural gas vehicles

The House will take up three of the bills today. The rest will be voted on next week.

House Majority Whip Stan Saylor (R- York County) is sponsoring several of the proposals.

“This package is not corporate welfare,” he says. “[Natural gas] helps us get off foreign oil. It’s a money-saving process, and it cleans up the air. Is it going to solve climate change? No. But it cleans up the air pollution.”

Saylor says he expects some bipartisan support, but not every Democrat is convinced the tax breaks are needed.

“I will vote against it,” says Rep. Phyllis Mundy (D- Luzerne County) “The natural gas industry is wealthy enough to promote their own activities.”

The Marcellus Works package will add to an existing three-year, $20 million grant program created under Act 13 to incentivize the purchase of natural gas vehicles.

Read the article on State Impact Pennsylvania.

4/10 – Final Training Grant Allocations Awarded

Wednesday, April 10th 2013

The Smart Energy Initiative has allocated the last of Incumbent Worker Training Funds for the 2012-2013 project year. If you have yet to contact us regarding a possible grant for training  expenditures, please contact Will Williams immediately in case already allocated funds go unused by current grantees.

More information on training funds can be found here.

4/3 – Job Alert : BPI Auditor at Seis-Stream Global

Wednesday, April 3rd 2013

SEI is pleased to post occasional job openings from member companies, as a means of effectively reaching qualified, local candidates in the smart energy industry. Send job descriptions to Will Williams.

0170093BPI Auditor /Energy Efficiency Auditor

Desired Skills & Experience

BPI Building Analyst Professional certification

BPI Auditor

BPI Auditor, Crew Leaders & Technicians Employment qualifications for Hire Must have BPI Building Analyst Professional certification Carpentry and Framing experience a big plus 2. Has experience in weatherization testing and installation of the following. Combustion safety testing CAZ depressurization testing Blower door gross air leakage testing Zonal pressure testing Pressure pan testing Heating equipment assessment DHW heater assessment Central and room air conditioning equipment assessment Moisture condition assessment Proper documentation Assessment of existing insulation General safety practices, including use of PPE Air sealing practices, including foaming, installation of foam board, damming, weather-stripping Duct sealing and insulation practices Thermal/pressure boundary assessment Proper damming of heat producing devices Identification of wiring types Proper use of baffles and soffit chutes 3. OSHA cert a plus.

No felonies in the last 10 years Must pass drug screen Must have a valid drivers license High School diploma or equivilent

Company Description

Since 1992, we have provided consulting and human capital services to the Energy, Petrochemical and Construction industries. As a capable and trusted human capital partner to our clients, our firm provides a range of talent acquisition models to support discrete, time-sensitive projects and ongoing business requirements. Depending on the client’s specific business/technical drivers, our teams deliver resources along the complete hiring continuum:

• Consulting
• Executive Search/Contingent Search
• Staff Augmentation
• Payrolling

Seis-Stream Global has been named to the 2013 Best of Staffing™ Talent and Client Lists. Fewer than 1% of all staffing agencies in North America earned the 2013 Best of Staffing™ award for providing an exceptional permanent and temporary talent experience and remarkable quality of service to their clients. With average satisfaction scores more than double the industry average, the Best of Staffing™ winners lead the industry in providing an exceptional job candidate experience and exceeding client expectations.

Apply online on LinkedIn

 

3/28 – PECO Announces New Programs and Incentives

Thursday, March 28th 2013

logo_smartideasPECO recently received approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to continue offering PECO Smart Ideas energy efficiency programs in compliance with Phase II of Act 129. Information about existing and new programs can be found on PECO’s website:

Residential Programs:

Current programs continuing after June 1, 2013

  • PECO Smart Home Rebates – This program will provide rebates for the purchase of eligible, energy efficient refrigerators, air conditioners, hot water heaters, HVAC equipment and pool pumps.
  • PECO Smart Appliance Recycling – This program picks up and recycles older, working refrigerators and freezers and will provide a rebate to eligible customers.
  • PECO Smart Lighting Discounts – This program will continue to provide in-store discounts on your purchases of eligible CFL and LED bulbs. A complete list of eligible products and list of retailers will be provided this June.
  • PECO Low Income Energy Efficiency (LEEP) – This program educates and assists income eligible residential customers on reducing energy usage by installing CFL bulbs, refrigerators and HVAC equipment as appropriate.

New programs being added after June 1, 2013

  • PECO Smart House Call – This new program provides a walk through energy assessment to all PECO electric residential customers. In addition, all PECO residential electric heat customers are eligible for a comprehensive energy audit including blower door test and available rebates for weatherization measures such as attic insulation and duct sealing. The program also includes direct install measures such as CFL bulbs and advanced power strips for all audits and assessments as appropriate.
  • PECO Smart Usage Profile – This new targeted residential program delivers customized home energy usage reports only to residential customers using more than 14,000 kiloWatt-hours (kWh) annually. Customers are automatically included in the program based on usage. Available only to qualifying customers.
  • PECO Smart Energy Saver – This new targeted residential program educates students grades 5-7 about energy efficiency with curriculum and “take-home” energy savings kits.
  • PECO Smart Builder Rebates – This new program targets builders of new or completely renovated single-family, electric heated homes and offers incentives to builders and developers to incorporate energy efficiency into their designs.

Commercial Programs

More information is available on PECO.com

3/21 – Job Alert: BPI Building Analyst at Keating Environmental Management

Friday, February 15th 2013

SEI is pleased to post occasional job openings from member companies, as a means of effectively reaching qualified, local candidates in the smart energy industry. Send job descriptions to Will Williams.

BPI Certified Professional
Employment type: Full-time
Keating Environmental Management, Inc.

Keating Environmental Management, Inc. (KEM), located in Exton, PA is a certified woman-owned business enterprise (WBE). Our company is a full-service environmental, energy, sustainability and procurement solutions firm that has been in business for more than twenty years. KEM offers integrated solutions for complex environmental consulting, remedial action, energy and “green” building projects in a cost-effective and professional manner. Visit www.keatingenvironmental.com to learn more about KEM.
Keating Environmental has long-term career opportunities for professionals who are focused on the delivery of high quality and high value services. Candidates must hold a current and valid BPI Analyst certificate with Building Envelope certification a plus. The candidate will have demonstrable experience in performing energy audits. Experience conducting blower door and duct tightness tests will be considered a plus. Candidates with additional areas of knowledge and experience such as commercial and industrial energy audits, measurement and verification, energy modeling, LEED accreditation, etc. will receive greater consideration. As the position requires a high degree of interaction with residential customers, being dressed in appropriate attire and appearance, a pleasant disposition and patience are important attributes of a candidate.

Responsibilities will encompass, but are not limited to, conducting residential walk-through energy assessments in accordance with BPI standards. The walk-throughs require the collection of detailed information (e.g. utility data, equipment and building data, operational characteristics); identifying energy savings opportunities, educating the customer and motivating them to participate in rebate programs where appropriate; install of direct measures and producing reports for homeowners using program audit software.

Additional responsibilities will include scheduling, tracking, cost control, marketing, development of proposals, project management and related technical services. This position is only for an experienced professional who can demonstrate and document their past experience and success. The successful candidate will:

• Have current and valid BPI Analyst certificate; Building Envelope certification a plus;
• Have conducted numerous energy audits in accordance with BPI standards with experience conducting blower door tests and duct tightness testing a plus;
• Be a self-starter and have high standards of quality;
• Work both independently and in a team environment;
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Possess a valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and reliable transportation;
• Be proficient in reading maps/the use of GPS technology and the operation of computers/tablets/smartphone;
• Possess a smartphone;
• Be comfortable to work, alone, within residential environments throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania and other locations as needed;
• Be able to meet the mental, visual and hearing demands of working in an environment with multiple, simultaneous stimuli such as residents, pets, pests, phones, computers and televisions. Must be able to hear equipment auditory sounds and be able to visualize computer screens and digital displays;
• Be physically capable of lifting 50+ lbs repeatedly, climb ladders and stairs, work within limited clearance spaces and be on their feet for long periods (see below for additional physical/working requirements);
• Be able to install direct measures, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), aerators, showerheads, “smart” power strips, weather stripping, and other simple measures as may be required, including the use of basic hand/power tools;
• Possess or be able to obtain criminal, child abuse and FBI background checks, drug screening and other forms of screening/testing as required to work on behalf of clients in residential/educational settings.
• Be financial responsible through the judicious use of materials and supplies, prevention of damage, misuse or loss of equipment and through accurate documentation of approved expenses.

KEM offers employees competitive compensation and benefit packages including company paid medical, dental and life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, and 401(k) with company contributions.

If interested, please send resume, cover letter, which addresses the above items and salary requirements and references to humanresources@kempartners.com, referencing “BPI Professional” in the subject.

2/27 – New Incentives for Hiring in Pennsylvania

Wednesday, February 27th 2013

The Smart Energy Initiative strives to keep local employers current with hiring incentives from the Commonwealth. The Keystone Works program seeks to incentivise the retraining and hiring of displaced workers; here are the details:

  • Businesses participating in Keystone Works pay no wages to the trainee – not even the additional premium cost of providing workers’ compensation insurance coverage during the training period.
  • Training can be conducted for up to 24 hours per week for up to eight weeks.
  • Individuals referred to businesses will be prescreened by PA CareerLink® staff to meet the criteria outlined by the business.
  • Businesses will interview referred individuals to ensure they are an appropriate match.
  • Trainees completing a training plan outlined by the business will have received up to 192 hours of training, enabling them to be immediately productive if hired.
  • Then, businesses who hire trainees receive a monetary incentive for doing so – $375 every four weeks the trainee is employed full time, up to a total of $1,500 per trainee for 16 weeks.

For questions or more information, email Will WIlliams.

2/20 – Slides from 2013 Energy Briefing Posted

Tuesday, February 19th 2013

The Smart Energy Initiative’s 2013 Energy Briefing was a great success! Special thanks to our sponsor, ICF International, and our speakers:

Thanks to our Sponsor!

Thanks to our Sponsor!

Mike O’Leary – PECO Energy
Paul Spiegel – Practical Energy Solutions
David Rosenberg – Gamesa Wind
Tom Tuffey – Community Energy
Bill Ronayne – Brandywine Valley Heating & Air Conditioning
Dan Lapato – Pennsylvania DEP

PDFs of the slides are available here:

Energy Briefing Part 1
Energy Briefing Part 2
Energy Briefing Part 3

Energy Breifing 2013 020

2/15 – Job Alert: Manager of Policy and Advocacy at DVGBC

Friday, February 15th 2013

SEI is pleased to post occasional job openings from member companies, as a means of effectively reaching qualified, local candidates in the smart energy industry. Send job descriptions to Will Williams.

DVGBC seeks candidates for a new position, Manager of Policy and Advocacy. DVGBC is a non-profit organization working to promote green building practices in the Delaware Valley. We are the local chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council; our region covers the five-county Philadelphia region, the Lehigh Valley and the state of Delaware. This is a full-time job, reporting to the Executive Director. The preliminary job description includes the following tasks:

  • Develop and direct implementation of policy agenda  for the chapter
  • Work closely with U.S. Green Building Council Advocacy team
  • Support Key Performance Indicator tracking and reporting for USGBC grant
  • Recruit and organize volunteers, including DVGBC Board members; establish regular meetings with goals and tasks for volunteers
  • Work closely with, and support partner PA chapters on statewide policy and advocacy initiatives
  • Establish annual Advocacy Day in PA and DE
  • Ensure elected officials and decision-makers are invited to all DVGBC events
  • Track relationships among staff, volunteers, and decision-makers
  • Follow key policy developments at state and local levels and new issues, such as Healthy Products Declaration, etc.
  • Develop and maintain partnerships, e.g., Energy Efficient Buildings Hub, City of Philadelphia Office of Sustainability, USGBC Advocacy staff
  • Track and report on goals; communicate to key stakeholders
  • Write policy briefs for DVGBC and policy decision-makers
  • Develop tools, including advocacy alerts, to engage our constituents around policy initiatives
  • Develop new markets and non-traditional audiences; look for opportunities to connect on other areas of focus, such as green schools
  • Raise funds for policy work
  • Coordinate and collaborate with staff leading Greenbuild 2013, Green Schools and other DVGBC initiatives

Experience & Skills

  • 5-7 years’ work experience in sustainable design/building, or related field
  • B.A. or B.S. degree
  • Work experience in policy or political area; in PA or DE a plus
  • Skilled verbal communicator
  • Strong writing skills for lay audience
  • Team player; strong collaborator
  • Outgoing and enjoys networking
  • Able to juggle multiple tasks while meeting deadlines
  • Strong project management skills
  • Experienced meeting facilitator

Salary based on skills and experience. Send resume and cover letter to info@dvgbc.org by February 20, 2013.

Click here to download a PDF of this job posting.

2/12 – Summary of PA Sunshine Program Webinar

Tuesday, February 12th 2013

Unable to make DEP’s Webinar on the Sunshine Program? Here’s a quick summary of the call. For more info visit DEP’s Sunshine Program webpage

  • $7.5M has been allocated for Solar PV, solar thermal, and battery backup systems through the Pennsylvania Sunshine Program.
    • Approximately $4M will be paid to projects already on the wait list, leaving around $3.5M for projects completed between now and December 31st 2013.
    • Wait-listed projects not completed by June 1st 2013 will lose their spot on the list, but can apply again.
  • Rebates cover $.75/watt for residential projects, up to $7,500 or 10kw, or $.75/watt for the first 10kw, and $.50/watt for the last 90 kw for small commerical projects (companies with up to 100 employees) up to $52,500 or 100kw.
    • Projects over 100kw can apply, but per-watt rebates only apply to first 100kw of project size.
  • Rebates for solar thermal projects will cover 30% of project costs, up to $5,000 for residential, or $50,000 for small commercial (again, an entity with less than 101 employees).
  • Projects become eligible for rebates upon completion of the project. This adds uncertainty on whether or not customer will receive rebate.
  • Fund are available until December 31st, or whenever funds are exhausted.
  • DEP’s Sunshine Webpage will be updated weekly with the total paid out, which will not reflect what has yet to be processed.
  • Prevailing wage rules still apply.

Contact Walt Dinda at DEP with questions at wdinda@pa.gov or (717) 772-8912.

Disclaimer: We have endeavored to provide an accurate summary of this program. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information contained here.

2/5 – Training Grant Applications Due February 15th

Tuesday, February 5th 2013

Click here to download SEI’s 2012-2013 Incumbent Worker Training Grant application (Microsoft Excel – .xls).

Grant applications will be reviewed by SEI’s training committee and awardees will be notified within 15 business days of submission. Applications are evaluated for a number of criteria, including submitting firm’s participation in the Smart Energy Initiative through Working Groups, programming, and subcommittees.

All submitting organizations must FIRST complete the 2012-2013 Needs Assessment survey.

Grant funds are provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and the Chester County Workforce Investment Board.