Governor Quinn Announces Grant to Improve Energy Efficiency for Large Customers

CHAMPAIGN - January 21, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is the first recipient of a Large Customer Energy Efficiency Grant to help large energy users reduce the amount of energy they expend. The program is one component of Illinois' Energy Plan, the most comprehensive effort to date to address the state's energy production. UIUC will receive more than $848,000 for a campus-wide energy efficiency initiative that will save $1 million per year in energy costs.

 

"Green energy projects like this one on the U of I campus are one of the wisest ways we can invest our capital funding," said Governor Quinn. "Not only are we lowering our energy costs and reducing our dependence on foreign oil, we are putting people to work in the green economy."

 

UIUC's project will generate savings totaling more than $1 million. These savings are approximate to the amount of electricity, coal and gas energy used by over 1,000 homes annually. In addition to the energy efficiency savings, officials estimate the project will create 18 construction and installation jobs and will help retain 36 jobs based on the annual savings.

 

The university will implement a number of energy-saving measures, including energy wheels in several new and renovated buildings, thermal pipe insulation, Variable Air Volume hoods and controls for the Chemical Life Services Building A, Heating Ventilating and Air Conditioning Controls in the Krannert Center for Performing Center's Mezzanine, exhaust controls in the Levis Facility, and geothermal systems for several buildings at the Allerton Park and Retreat Center.

 

"The ARRA-funded State Energy Program will help organizations, businesses and consumers become better stewards of the earth and help put money back into the economy through green job creation," said DCEO Director Warren Ribley.

           

The Large Customer Energy Efficiency Grant Program is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and administered by the Illinois Energy Office in the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.