News Release

For more information contact: Abbie Hodgson, 785-271-3269

February 16, 2010

State Energy Office Announces Energy Manager Grant

Topeka, KS-The State Energy Office (SEO), a division of the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC), announced today the establishment of the Energy Manager Grant program. The program utilizes $2.5 million of the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funding, authorized by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Through the grant program, coalitions of cities, counties, and school districts can apply for a salary stipend of $50,000 per year for up to two years to hire an energy manager. The energy manager will be responsible for developing short-term and long-term plans for each coalition member to begin the process of transforming energy usage and awareness on the part of local governments in Kansas.

The Recovery Act continues to provide opportunities for Kansas to improve and grow for the future,. said Governor Mark Parkinson. .Local communities have been struggling to pay the bills during the current economic recession, but with this new program, cities, counties and school districts can hire the needed leaders to help reduce their costs and become more energy efficient."

Within the first six months of receiving the grant award, the energy manager will be expected to collect, categorize, and analyze historic energy-use data, identify poorly performing facilities, and create a prioritized list of improvements. Over the course of the two-year grant period, the energy manager must meet regularly with coalition members to discuss energy-efficiency upgrade opportunities, train personnel on energy conservation, and identify possible alternative energy upgrades for future implementation.

The deadline to apply is April 15, 2010. All applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information or to apply.