DOVER – DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal, & Energy will launch a program on Monday, March 2 to provide incentives to businesses to install refrigeration systems that are less harmful to the environment.

The “Cool Switch – Low Impact Refrigerant Program” aims to reduce the amount of hydroflourocarbons (HFCs) released into the atmosphere. Some refrigerants contain potent greenhouse gases that have a large impact on global warming. Incentives for installing new systems or making upgrades to existing systems will be offered to participating municipalities, businesses, and industries. The incentives will be based on calculations for reducing greenhouse gas potential associated with the new refrigerant used.

Delaware is also proposing regulations that, if finalized, may phase out the use of certain HFCs. Draft regulations will be published in the state Register of Regulations.

The Cool Switch – Low Impact Refrigerant Program is funded through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is a market-based program among 11 states, including Delaware, that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. DNREC receives RGGI funding from the state, which sells emissions allowances through auctions. Proceeds are invested in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and other consumer benefit programs.

Cool Switch program grants are available for both new systems and existing system retrofits that utilize refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) impacts. Grants are available on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to funding availability.

For more information on the program, visit de.gov/dcce and click on Energy Policy and Programs, or contact Ed Synoski at Edward.Synoski@delaware.gov, or 302-735-3480.

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

DOVER – The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will hold two public information sessions Monday, Sept. 9 detailing a new program that will provide incentives to Delaware businesses to install refrigeration systems less harmful to the environment than systems currently used by many businesses and organizations in the state. The first information session will take place at 11 a.m. at DNREC offices at 391 Lukens Drive, New Castle, DE 19720, while the second session is scheduled for 6 p.m. at DNREC’s State Street Commons offices, 100 W. Water St., Dover, DE 19904.

DNREC’s Division of Climate, Coastal, & Energy plans to launch the new “Cool Switch – Low Impact Refrigerant Program” later this month. Some refrigerants, like hydrofluorocarbons, are a potent greenhouse gas that have significant impact on global warming. The public information sessions will discuss how the new DNREC program will offer incentives for new systems or upgrades of existing systems to participating municipalities, businesses, non-profits and industries.

For more information please contact Robert Underwood, DNREC Energy Administrator, Division of Climate, Coastal, & Energy, at 302-735-3489 or email robert.underwood@delaware.gov. Additional information, including an agenda for the meetings, can be found on the state Public Meeting Calendar.

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

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