Congregation Energy Audits

To promote energy audits of congregations in Northwest Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection is offering rebates of $500 to partially offset the costs of energy audits to the first five NW PA congregations that commit to obtaining an audit. Audits will be conducted by Andy Rudin of the Interfaith Coalition on Energy. As of December 1, 2006 only two rebates remain. Please contact CCEP at 814-332-2986 for more information.

Congregations and Energy Workshops

CCEP & DEP Launch New Program on "Congregations & Energy"

Recently, the Commonwealth Community Energy Project and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection co-sponsoredfour workshops designed to help congregations reduce energy consumption.

The kick-off meeting of the "Congregations & Energy" program was held on October 21st at Allegheny College. All congregations in Crawford County were invited to send a representative to this meeting, where discussion focused on congregations' energy-related issues and concerns. Later workshops which expanded to Erie County were also held and are listed below.

 

"Making Sense of Utility Bills and Rate Structures"

On Wednesday, April 6th, 2005, 36 community members representing 28 congregations came to the second "Congregations and Energy" workshop, hosted by St. Mary of Grace Church in Meadville. Presenters Jim Wimer and Jeff Bishop from First Energy discussed key terminology and rate structures. One suggestion for cutting costs was to make sure a congregation is on the appropriate rate structure. Les Young of National Fuel Gas (NFG) presented on gas rates and purchasing options.

Click here for highlights from this workshop.

 

Cutting Energy Costs, Increasing Stewardship:
A Hands-On Workshop for Congregations

Andy Rudin, of Philadelphia's Interfaith Coalition on Energy, presented on May 17th at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Meadville. Altogether, 35 people representing state government, community organizations, and 15 congregations were in attendance. Most came for two reasons: interest in saving money and because they "felt it was [their] responsibility." The workshop encompassed both a presentation focused on top priorities for congregations wanting to reduce their energy costs and a hands-on tour of the workshop site.

Click here for highlights from this workshop.

 

A Workshop for Energy Professionals

Andy Rudin returned for a second day on May 18th, this time at St. Brigid's Church. This presentation was intended for professionals in energy-related fields. This workshop examined how to motivate congregations, the importance of data collection for proper management, prioritizing costs and savings, and more. Rudin stressed that energy conservation is not just dealing with boilers or thermostats; energy conservation is dealing with people.