LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 8, 2014) – Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Secretary Len Peters today presented Energy Leadership Awards to Harry Carver and the Department for Local Government, and John Boyd and the Energy Services Coalition, during the 38th Governor’s Conference on Energy and the Environment.
The awards recognize leaders from public and private sectors who have made outstanding contributions in Kentucky’s energy field by promoting and utilizing energy efficiency and alternative energy resources as a way to achieve sustainability goals.
“The innovative and visionary leaders honored today have played an integral role in shaping Kentucky’s energy future. Through their energy initiatives they have demonstrated commitment to protecting the environment, conserving natural resources, and setting examples of environmental stewardship for generations to come,” said Secretary Peters.
Harry Carver, special programs coordinator, Department for Local GovernmentThe Department for Local Government (DLG), under the Office of the Governor, provides financial help in the form of grant and loan assistance and offers a pathway for local officials to exchange information in matters relating to local government.
Energy efficiency efforts through DLG have been steadily gaining momentum since 2009 when the Small Cities and Counties initiative was launched through the federally funded Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program.
Under the direction of the program administrator, Harry Carver, local governments realized cost savings by implementing strategies to reduce fossil fuel emissions and reduce total energy use. The EECBG program invested $6.5 million for energy efficiency upgrades in lighting and HVAC systems and investments in solar and other renewable energy technologies. Local facilities benefitting from the program range from water treatment plants to municipal buildings to community and senior centers.
The EECBG program was the catalyst for DLG to launch a comprehensive energy education program in 2012. With funding provided through a U.S. Department of Energy grant, DLG partnered with the Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence (DEDI) to promote energy savings performance contracting as a vehicle for local governments to undertake and finance energy efficiency improvements.
“Harry Carver understands issues local governments face on a daily basis,” said Secretary Peters. “He is the force driving energy efficiency and conservation efforts in our cities and counties. As an advocate for local governments, he encourages officials to take action and to be good stewards of local resources. His efforts exemplify the commitment of the DLG to improve energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources to preserve the quality of life for Kentuckians.”
The energy programs administered by DLG along with a revolving loan fund to finance projects has made DLG a resource for local governments working to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and benefitting taxpayers through lower utility costs.
John Boyd and the Energy Services Coalition company membersFor well over a decade, the Energy Services Coalition (ESC), a nonprofit network of energy experts, has promoted energy savings performance contracting (ESPC) as a mechanism to achieve environmental and economic benefits.
John Boyd is co-chair of the Kentucky ESC chapter and serves as an advocate for the industry whose mission is to improve our quality of life through fiscal responsibility and environmental stewardship. Boyd’s long history in the energy industry involves working with ESPC companies and suppliers, most recently with Utilities Dynamics, Paducah.
Under Boyd’s leadership, performance contracting has produced $750 million in energy savings projects in Kentucky’s state government buildings, state universities, K-12 public schools, and in local governments. In 2012, he led the ESC partnership with DEDI and the Department for Local Government to expand ESPCs in local governments, conducting workshops and outreach programs to utility providers and local government officials. Participants learned that ESPC is a comprehensive, whole-building approach which can include upgrades to energy-consuming infrastructure such as buildings, street lighting, and water/wastewater facilities.
ESPC in Kentucky represents a significant economic engine, providing high quality jobs in the manufacturing supply chain and at the customer’s facility.
“The leadership of individuals like Harry and John and the collaboration among public and private partnerships create a mutual incentive to successfully meet the energy challenges in Kentucky and the nation,” said Secretary Peters.
For more information about the Energy Leadership Award program, contact John Davies, Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet,
john.davies@ky.gov
