Energy Efficiency Projects to Help State Meet Governor’s Energy Challenge

State Facilities Receive $63.1 Million through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

9/2/09 Governor Sonny Perdue announced today the approval of 135 energy efficiency projects totaling $63.1 million as part of the State Facilities Retrofit Program. Funding for the projects is being provided by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The energy efficiency projects for state facilities include lighting system retrofits, HVAC system upgrades, replacement of inefficient chillers and boilers, advanced control systems, utility sub-metering and building tune-ups (also known as commissioning).

“Energy efficiency retrofits will save the state millions of dollars in energy costs year after year and will reduce our energy consumption,” said Governor Perdue. “Many of these projects may go unnoticed to the average Georgian, but the results will be substantial energy savings and a more efficient state government.”

Through the Governor’s Energy Challenge, an initiative of Conserve Georgia, Governor Perdue directed state agencies to reduce energy consumption 15 percent below 2007 levels. He also encouraged businesses, individuals, not-for-profits, schools and local governments to meet the same goal. The energy projects announced today will save the state approximately $15.1 million a year in avoided energy costs, resulting in a four year payback on the investment and an energy savings of 976,692 million BTUs (equivalent to the amount of energy consumed by approximately 4,544 housing units in one year).

“Georgia is leading by example through the Governor’s commitment to energy efficiency in state government,” said GEFA Executive Director Phil Foil. “Through the State Facilities Retrofit Program, we’ll make significant progress toward meeting the Governor’s 15 percent energy reduction goal.”

All businesses interested in competing for state energy retrofit projects should contact the Construction Division of the Georgia State Finance Investment Commission at www.gsfic.ga.gov and the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia at www.usg.edu/ref .

For more information regarding the energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities available through GEFA, please visit www.gefa.org .

A complete listing of the state facility projects is attached, along with the estimated yearly energy cost savings and projected length of payback. Also, a chart is attached that shows the portion of the overall amount that is being used in the different project categories.

About the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (www.gefa.org)

The Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) provides financial assistance and administers programs that encourage stewardship of the environment and promote economic development statewide.  GEFA is the lead state agency for energy planning and alternative fuels; manages the Governor’s Energy Challenge and the Georgia Land Conservation Program; maintains state-owned fuel storage tanks; and offers financing for reservoir and water supply, water quality, storm water and solid waste infrastructure.

About the Governor’s Energy Challenge

In April 2008, Governor Sonny Perdue committed Georgia’s state agencies to reduce energy consumption 15 percent by 2020 and challenged Georgia businesses, local governments and citizens to do the same.  Georgia’s population is projected to grow to more than 12 million people by 2030. This growth will significantly impact Georgia’s land, water and energy resources. The Governor’s Energy Challenge plays an active role in providing information to Georgia businesses and residents on how to meet this challenge and to help protect the state’s natural resources for generations to come.

About Conserve Georgia (www.conservegeorgia.org)

The Conserve Georgia program was developed to foster a culture of conservation throughout the state of Georgia. Nearly a dozen state agencies and authorities are working together with businesses, civic leaders, educational institutions, non-profit organizations and residents to make Georgia’s air, land, water, energy and wildlife resources more sustainable now and for generations to come. The program’s Web site – www.ConserveGeorgia.org – serves as a portal to help Georgians find information on a wide range of conservation resources and programs.

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