DNREC Division of Energy & Climate sets public workshops Sept. 9 and 12 on Delmarva Power Green Energy Fund solar incentives

DOVER – The DNREC Division of Energy & Climate will host two public workshops Sept. 9 and 12 on renewable energy incentives offered by the Green Energy Fund for Delmarva Power & Light (DPL). The Green Energy Fund provides grants to DPL customers for small scale solar and geothermal installations.

The workshops will take place as follows:

  • 10 a.m., Friday, Sept. 9, DNREC Pat Ellis Conference Room, 391 Lukens Drive, New Castle, DE 19720
  • 6 p.m., Monday, Sept. 12, Public Service Commission Hearing Room, 861 Silver Lake Blvd., Dover, DE 19901

At the upcoming workshops, DNREC staff will discuss the ongoing review of Green Energy Fund grants and solicit comments from the public. The Delaware Electric Cooperative’s Renewable Resource Program and the Delaware Municipal Electric Company programs are not affected by this review.

“Rebate levels for the DPL Green Energy Fund program are reviewed periodically in response to changing market conditions, such as lower materials costs, to ensure that the program continues to be cost-effective,” said Robert Underwood, Division of Energy & Climate energy program administrator.

For more information on the Green Energy Fund, please visit http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/energy/services/GreenEnergy/Pages/GEPDelmarva_F.aspx . Please direct additional questions to Jessica Quinn via email at Jessica.Quinn@delaware.gov or to the Division of Energy & Climate by phone at 302-735-3480.

CONTACT: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 324

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DNREC Division of Energy & Climate announces relaunch of Energy Efficiency Investment Fund, featuring new energy-saving incentives and a look to the future of net zero

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate today announced the relaunch of Delaware’s Energy Efficiency Investment Fund – a grant program that supports energy efficiency upgrades in commercial, industrial, non-profit and local government buildings.

The program has been revamped to incentivize building systems upgrades exceed energy efficiency standards currently required by Delaware’s building energy code. Additionally, the program has been improved for quicker turnaround time between submission and review of applications. Lighting incentives also have been redesigned to better reflect market trends in light of low-cost LED technology.

“The Energy Efficiency Investment Fund has supported hundreds of projects that reduce Delawareans’ energy use and help lower operating costs,” said Energy Administrator Rob Underwood, Division of Energy & Climate. “Through these program improvements, we hope to encourage a deeper dive into energy efficiency with creative projects.”

“We still encourage basic changes like switching to energy-efficient lightbulbs, but there are also opportunities for larger, innovative projects like daylighting, or lower watts-per-square foot adjustments that can accomplish the same lighting goals with even less energy. The same is true for other building systems,” Underwood added.

For example, energy efficiency improvements can be implemented in HVAC systems, building automation, building envelope, plug load controls and even more complex projects like cogeneration (combined heat and power).

Energy Efficiency and Net Zero Capability
Energy efficient buildings help facility owners reduce operating costs while promoting a positive public image of environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility – a move that also can be economically advantageous for businesses and organizations over their competitors.

Energy efficiency technology is also important in making buildings net zero capable, meaning the building has low energy needs that could potentially be met with onsite renewable energy, such as solar panels. In other words, the facility produces as much energy as it uses.

By supporting more extensive energy efficiency upgrades now, the Division of Energy & Climate aims to grow Delaware’s capacity for reaching this standard in the near future.

About the Energy Efficiency Investment Fund
The Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF) was initially created in 2011 to help Delaware businesses make equipment and facility upgrades that would reduce their energy use, resulting in lower operating costs and reduced environmental impacts. Due to lack of funding, the program was temporarily suspended in February 2016. The Division of Energy & Climate is now reopening the program using funding from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) – a multi-state cap-and-trade program that reduces greenhouse gas pollution. With the support of the Delaware Sustainability Energy Utility (SEU) the program also has additional RGGI funding for non-profit recipients, and expanded grant eligibility to include funding for local governments.

For more information, contact Rachel Yocum by email at Rachel.Yocum@delaware.gov, or by phone at 302-735-3480, or click Energy Efficiency Investment Fund.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 292


DNREC to hold Aug. 29 public hearing in Dover on proposed regulations for evaluating state’s energy efficiency programs

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate will hold a public hearing this month on newly proposed regulations for the evaluation, measurement and verification of energy efficiency programs recommended by Delaware’s Energy Efficiency Advisory Council. The public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m., Monday, Aug. 29, in DNREC’s Auditorium, Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

The Energy Efficiency Advisory Council is a collaborative group of stakeholders representing utilities, industry, residents, agencies and partners that was established by the General Assembly to create and implement energy efficiency programs and wise energy-use practices across the state. As utilities make their plans for providing energy-efficiency solutions, DNREC is developing a set of regulations that will outline methods for evaluating projects and measuring their effectiveness, known as Evaluation, Measurement and Verification (EM&V) regulations.

The proposed regulations can be found on the Division of Energy & Climate website. For more information, please contact Emily St. Clair at 302-735-3366 or email Emily.StClair@delaware.gov.

About the Energy Efficiency Advisory Council
The Energy Efficiency Advisory Council is comprised of representatives from DNREC, energy providers, large and small businesses, manufacturers, low-income and residential populations, Delaware’s Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU) and other interested parties affected by energy efficiency standards, including environmentalists and agriculturalists. The Council also collaborates with the Public Service Commission and the Public Advocate. Together, the council members work to reach Delaware’s energy efficiency goals while ensuring that all energy efficiency and reduction programs are cost-effective.

Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 289

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DNREC Division of Energy & Climate announces public workshops June 22 and 23 about relaunch of state’s Energy Efficiency Investment Fund

DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate today announced public workshops focused on the relaunch of the Energy Efficiency Investment Fund (EEIF) grant program, which supports eligible energy efficiency projects in the commercial, industrial and non-profit sectors. The workshops will present information about planned changes to the EEIF application process, changes to available incentives and changes to the incentive levels. The workshops will inform affected stakeholders of the new program and help them prepare for participation in it.

Two EEIF grant workshops will be held, with content the same for both:

  • Kent County: 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 22, DNREC Auditorium, Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901
  • New Castle County: 2 p.m. Thursday, June 23, DNREC Division of Waste & Hazardous Substances Conference Room A, 391 Lukens Drive, New Castle, DE 19720

Established in 2011, EEIF was created to help Delaware businesses make strategic investments in capital equipment and facility upgrades to help decrease operating costs, reduce energy consumption and improve environmental performance. The fund was initially funded through public utility tax receipts. The program was fully funded for its first two years of operation and continued with reduced funding for two additional years. For fiscal year 2016, no new funding was appropriated, which necessitated the suspension of select sections of the program.

DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate is reopening the program using funds from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a multistate program designed to reduce greenhouse gases from the energy sector. Several new changes to the program are proposed for the coming program year.

Benefits of the planned changes include:

  • Improved incentives for energy efficiency measures that go beyond existing building/energy codes
  • Better alignment of program incentives with the current lighting market
  • Quicker turnaround between submission and review of applications

Questions may be emailed to Rachel Yocum or by contacting her at 302-735-3480.

For more information on EEIF, please visit the Energy Efficiency Investment Fund web site.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 222


‘Fueling the Future’ clean transportation event draws a packed house to learn about alternative fuel vehicles

Governor Markell announces recipients of DNREC grants totaling more than $1 million for alternative fuel infrastructure projects

DOVER – Today, the Delaware Clean Cities Coalition, in conjunction with DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate, hosted a capacity attendance of more than 170 transportation professionals from across Delaware and neighboring states at Fueling the Future: Clean Transportation for a Greener Delaware at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino.

Presentations, panel discussions, vendors and an interactive Ride-and-Drive explored the economic and environmental benefits of fueling vehicles with propane, natural gas, and electricity in place of gasoline. Experts also discussed funding opportunities to grow alternative fuel infrastructure in Delaware.

Governor Jack Markell joined DNREC Secretary David Small to announce the recipients of the Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Grants, which will fund seven projects to help grow alternative fuel infrastructure across the state. The grants are part of Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program, funded through Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative cap-and-trade program. Totaling more than $1 million, the grants announced today range from $8,000 to $500,000, depending on the scope and technology needs of each project.

The grant recipients are:

  • Chesapeake Utilities – $500,000, for a public CNG fast-fill refueling station at their new headquarters in Dover.
  • The Delaware Division of Parks & Recreation – $55,962, to install two D.C. Fast Charging Stations at Blue Ball Barn in Wilmington and Indian River Marina.
  • Royal Farms – $349,902, to install 10 D.C. Fast Charging Stations at five Delaware stores in Smyrna, Dover, Milford, Georgetown and Laurel.
  • The University of Delaware – $8,846, to install three Level 3 Charging Stations on the University of Delaware Campus, including one public charging station.
  • Sharp Energy – $86,375, to install propane fueling stations at three Delaware school yards in Red Clay, Sutton Bus and School Mule.

“Delaware has been a leader in reducing emissions while still remaining dedicated to economic growth as well as promoting the health of our residents and our environment,” said Governor Markell. “Through our participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and the Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program, we’ve been able to secure funding that helps us reduce our environmental footprint and combat climate change by promoting the use of alternative fuels and supporting alternative fuel infrastructure throughout the state.”

“Today’s conference was an opportunity to bring together a diverse group which can learn from each other about our challenges and economically beneficial solutions for reducing environmental impacts from transportation,” said DNREC Secretary Small. “Promoting and supporting the use of vehicles powered by cleaner alternative fuels such as electricity, propane and natural gas plays a vital role in our mission to grow Delaware’s clean energy economy, reduce transportation’s environmental footprint and fight the long-term effects of climate change in our state.”

Fueling the Future participants also had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of alternative fuel cars and ride in alternative fuel commercial vehicles, including propane and natural gas school buses, trucks, emergency vehicles and vans, as well as passenger electric vehicles such as DNREC’s new fleet Ford Focus Electric.

“When it comes to contributing to climate preparation and resiliency, the importance of using alternative fuels cannot be overstated,” said Clean Transportation Policy Analyst Kathy Harris, Division of Energy & Climate. “Delaware’s growing alternative fuel network offers progressive opportunities for improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions threatening our state. We invite Delaware’s transportation professionals who could not be with us today to contact us to learn more about possible grants and rebates to help them take positive action for our environment.”

For more information on clean transportation initiatives, rebates and funding opportunities offered through the Division of Energy & Climate, please visit Delaware Clean Transportation Incentive Program, or call DNREC’s Division of Energy and Climate at 302-735-3480.

Delaware’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program (CTIP) includes two competitive grant programs that provide financial incentives for the development of alternative fueling infrastructure and promote innovative transportation projects that decrease greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware. It also includes three rebate programs for purchasing passenger vehicles, tractor trailer trucks and electric vehicle charging equipment. All rebates and grants are open to Delaware residents, businesses, non-profits, fleets and state, county and municipal governments for vehicles titled and registered in Delaware. CTIP is funded by Delaware’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), a market-based cap-and-trade program designed to reduce carbon dioxide and greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity generation sector. Delaware’s proceeds from RGGI are invested in energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Proceeds also support consumer benefit programs that spur innovation in a clean energy economy and create green jobs. Administered through DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate, CTIP supports Governor Markell’s goals of creating a clean energy economy, ensuring cleaner air and reducing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. For more information, visit de.gov/cleantransportation.

The Delaware Clean Cities Coalition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Vehicle Technologies Program, is housed within the Delaware Division of Energy & Climate, and comprises more than 40 stakeholders from state and local governments, fuel suppliers, vehicle retailers, fleet owners, non-profit organizations and other interested parties.

Media Contact: Joanna Wilson, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol. 46, No. 185