DNR offers $11M for energy efficiency projects

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is making available millions of dollars for industrial and commercial energy consumers to improve their energy efficiency.

A pair of state programs dubbed Energize Missouri Industries is offering up to $11 million in funding for energy efficiency projects.

Up to $8 million in grants is available through the Industrial Energy Efficiency Program, through which businesses can fund projects to improve their energy usage. Grants can be used to benchmark energy performance, conduct energy audits or retrofit more efficient systems including lighting, ventilation, heating, cooling or heat recovery.

Companies must be classified as manufacturing or warehousing and storage facilities and apply to DNR's Web site by July 9.

Another $3 million is available through the Best Price Efficiency Program. Funds will be awarded for energy efficiency programs via a reverse auction format, open to prequalified businesses.

The department will host Web seminars on June 8 and 9 to explain more about both programs through its Web site.