Fri 09|03|10

State offers energy efficiency help to manufacturers

Submitted by The City Wire staff on Wed, 07/07/2010 - 4:31pm.

A new organization was announced Wednesday (July 7) to assist Arkansas manufacturers with energy efficiency efforts, according to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.

The Arkansas Industrial Energy Clearinghouse is a collaborative effort among the Arkansas Energy Office, a division of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission; Arkansas Manufacturing Solutions; and the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The new organization will provide its assistance and simple training at no cost to the manufacturer.

A total of $773,332.00 has been provided for the program through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The Clearinghouse, based at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, will help Arkansas industries of all sizes determine ways to reduce utility costs and identify significant energy savings and greenhouse gas reductions.
 
“I encourage all Arkansas manufacturers to take advantage of this free, innovative program,” Maria Haley, executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, said in a statement. “As manufacturers save money through reduced energy costs, more money is available for expansions and existing infrastructure. Both Arkansas’s economy and environment will benefit through this program.”
 
Clearinghouse staff consists of trained professionals that who provide expertise with the following: basic energy management questions; starting an energy management program; performing energy self-assessments; energy and cost savings opportunities; financial incentives for energy conservation.
 
Arkansas manufacturers can contact the Clearinghouse staff to discuss any energy management needs at (479) 575-4609 or ArkansasIEC@uark.edu