Deadline approaches for EnergyWise grant applications

CU’s EnergyWise Grant Program is intended to help fund projects that can effectively reduce energy or water consumption and don’t qualify for the utility’s existing rebate programs.

Any 501(c)3 organization, educational group or government entity can apply for between $1,000 and $50,000. The application deadline is May 15.

“These would be for projects that fall outside of our regular rebate programs,” said Cara Shaefer, CU’s director of energy management and conservation. “I would think there are lots of opportunities with commercial boilers, commercial (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems, efficient motors, even building envelope projects such as insulation.”

Shaefer said CU is looking for projects that can show a return on investment within 10 years.

“This is the first time we’ve rolled this out, so we’re excited to see what kinds of applications we get and what types of projects are out there,” Shaefer said.

More information on the program, along with the complete grant application, is available at CU’s energy management Web site, www.cuenergywise.com.

See SBJ’s May 19 issue for more on conservation efforts by CU and other companies.