NEW BERLIN — Borough residents are being offered free expertise on cutting their energy bills as part of a pilot program unique among 11 counties in central Pennsylvania.
They can find out more about the idea during a meeting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday in the community center, Vine Street.
The SEDA-Council of Governments’ Energy Resource Center is managing the project, which will attempt to assess energy usage and find ways for conservation in municipal buildings, homes, businesses and vehicles.
SEDA-COG spokesman Steve Kusheloff said residents and business owners are asked to stop by for information and to fill out survey forms for the communitywide assessment.
Through the New Berlin Energy Independence Project, energy usage of all types will be identified and appropriate conservation measures recommended.
“Opportunities to implement cost-effective renewable and alternative energy technologies, based on locally derived sources, will be explored, and, as the project moves forward, employment opportunities in energy- and conservation-related fields are expected to be identified,” Kusheloff said.
The project is an offshoot of SEDA-COG’s weatherization program, which has been in operation since 1976. Those efforts were geared to help low-income residents, but a year ago, a program for the public was envisioned. Funding was found through the federal Appalachian Regional Commission and PPL Electric Utilities, Kusheloff said.
Electric utilities in the state have been directed to reduce energy consumption by 1 percent by 2011 and 3 percent by 2013. At the same time, PPL rates will rise about 30 percent on Jan. 1 as a result of statewide deregulation. Market-based prices will prevail.
New Berlin Mayor Craig Egli said he has discussed the project with many of the borough’s 818 residents and business owners and found them to be “... interested, supportive and willing ... to learn more.”
He said he hopes to get at least 80 percent of the borough, including residents, manufacturing and commercial businesses, banks, three churches and two schools, involved.
“The timing is right,” said Energy Resource Center Director Stacy Richards. “It is now in the best interest of both the utilities and their customers to save energy.”
A celebratory launch of the project will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 21 in the New Berlin social hall, said project manager Megan Epler. There will be entertainment and energy-related displays.
News
Related Photos
-
Liz Rohde / The Daily Item
Discussion
Residents, businesses offered free energy expertise
- News
-
-
Raw milk remains popular, despite illnesses
WASHINGTON — The popularity of unpasteurized raw milk remains strong despite warnings from public health officials about its dangers and outbreaks of bacterial infections. In the latest case untreated contaminated milk from a Pennsylvania farm has sickened 38 people on the East Coast. It's a reminder of the risks of consuming milk bottled straight from the cow.
-
State Supreme Court explains legislative redistricting decision
HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Supreme Court today explained its reasons for rejecting the state's legislative redistricting plan last week, and a justice who disagreed with the ruling said this year's races will have to be held under the existing, decade-old maps.
-
Heinz Endowments fund Flight 93 oral histories
PITTSBURGH — A project to compile oral histories of those connected to the crash of hijacked United Airlines Flight 93 will continue for at least the next three years due to a $225,000 grant from The Heinz Endowments.
-
LARA looks ahead
LEWISBURG -- The Lewisburg Community Pool and spring and summer schedule of events are the big concerns these days for those running the Lewisburg Area Recreation Authority. Officials are confident they finally have the regional recreation authority's financial situation under control.
-
Wirth not first driver to face murder charge
LEWISBURG -- Christopher Wirth isn't the first person to face a third-degree murder charge in connection with a fatal crash in Union County. "A death involving a vehicle can support third-degree murder depending on the acts of the subject," District Attorney D. Peter Johnson said Thursday.
-
Bumpy ride for prison officers
SUNBURY -- It's been a rough week for two Northumberland County Prison commanders who were suspended without pay, had their wages reinstated, were laid off and then rehired. On Monday, Brian Wheary was suspended without pay from his $36,030-a-year position as commander. By Thursday, the 37-year-old was back on the job.
-
Reality TV star ready for visit
SHAMOKIN -- Ron Shirley has never been to Shamokin, has never been to the Valley at all, but he has an idea of what's waiting for him here. "The only thing I expect is to meet friendly, honest people," said Shirley, a star of the hit Tru TV reality series, "Lizard Lick Towing."
-
Masser to seek 2nd term
ELYSBURG -- State Rep. Kurt Masser, a Republican from Elysburg, announced Thursday that he will seek a second term representing the 107th Legislative District in the state House. "I am pleased to announce that I will be seeking a second term to represent the people of our area," he said. "We've accomplished a lot in our first term, but there is so much more to do. I want to keep being an independent voice for our community in Harrisburg."
-
West Milton man arraigned on robbery charges
A West Milton man is the second suspect in an armed robbery at a West Buffalo Township convenience store Saturday night. Michael Gulli, 41, of 310 Broad St., was arrested by Milton state police who said Gulli was involved in pointing a gun at two employees of the Forest Hill Store, on Buffalo Road, in Union County, and threatening to kill them.
-
Show guns for 1,500
LEWISBURG -- Hundreds of long rifles and other Colonial weapons that helped win the Revolutionary War and forge a nation will be on display -- and some, for sale -- today through Saturday at the fifth annual 18th Century Artisan Show.
-
VIDEO: Social media command center helps Super Bowl visitors
Indianapolis is the first Super Bowl host city to utilize the power of Twitter and other social media to help football fans get the most out of football's biggest event.
-
Tim Burns drops out of U.S. Senate race
HARRISBURG — An entrepreneur from southwestern Pennsylvania is dropping out of the race for U.S. Senate now that the Republican Party has endorsed another candidate.
- More News Headlines
-
