Two significant, statewide energy programs—the Tennessee Energy Education Initiative and the Qualified Energy Conversation Bond Program—launched Monday during a Tennessee Renewable Energy and Economic Development Council (TREEDC) event in Jackson, Tn. Both programs are designed to help Tennessee organizations of all types become more energy efficient and increase the use of renewable energy to improve their competitiveness, drive economic growth, and reduce environmental impacts.
“These two programs add to an ever-growing array of options available to Tennesseans who wish to reduce their environmental impact and their energy costs,” said Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner Bob Martineau. “With smart, targeted investments now we will consume less energy as a state in years to come, helping to insulate us from energy cost fluctuations and providing a potential cushion against other market factors. Sustainability is how we can make Tennessee better in many ways at once.”
The newly-launched Tennessee Energy Education Initiative was created through a public-private partnership led by the TDEC Office of Energy Programs. It provides in-depth training and educational tools to businesses, public officials, and communities to support the implementation of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and energy management projects. The initiative will provide tuition-paid events, such as workshops and conferences, across the state through September.
Funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act through the U.S. Department of Energy and TDEC Office of Energy Programs, the Tennessee Energy Education Initiative is coordinated by Pathway Lending and supported by energy-focused organizations statewide, including TREEDC.
“The Tennessee Energy Education Initiative is a statewide effort that puts sustainability knowhow in the hands of those who will make the biggest impact with it—from business owners to municipal leaders,” said Clint Gwin, president of Pathway Lending. “More than a dozen organizations with an interest in energy and environment have come together to make this program possible and free of charge.”
Some events will focus on specific topics such as energy efficiency in the industrial, commercial, or multi-family housing sectors while others will provide universally applicable information on sustainability and energy management. Presentations and materials from these events will be made widely accessible to Tennessee businesses, state agencies, local governments and residents through an Online Resource Center, which will launch later this year.
“We are proud to be part of the Tennessee Energy Education Initiative,” said Warren Nevad, director of TREEDC. “It works toward our own efforts to advance economic development—particularly in rural areas—through renewable energy and other sustainable technologies. With this mix, Tennessee’s economy becomes stronger and more resilient while providing us all with cleaner surroundings.”
The state’s Qualified Energy Conservation Bond (QECB) Program will be overseen by TDEC’s Office of Energy Programs. QECBs are direct subsidy bonds, similar to Build America Bonds. QECBs may be issued by state and local governments to finance qualified energy conservation projects. Qualified energy conservation projects include energy efficiency capital expenditures in public buildings, green communities programs, renewable energy production, various research and development, and energy reduction measures for mass transit. More information on QECBs may be found at this website: http://www.tn.gov/environment/energy/qualified-energy-conservation-bonds.shtml.
Additional information on the Tennessee Energy Education Initiative and related events is available through Pathway Lending at 615 425-7171.