City/County Government Uses EECBG Funds for EnergyCAP Purchase
Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government has purchased EnergyCAP energy efficiency
software with stimulus funds from a U.S. DOE Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant
(EECBG). Regarding how much money the government will save using EnergyCAP, it is common
for first-year savings and cost recoveries to exceed 1% of the user’s annual utility budget, even if
aggressive energy management programs have been in place for some time.
(PRWEB) May 13, 2010 -- Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, in the heart of the Bluegrass Region of
central Kentucky, has purchased EnergyCAP energy efficiency software with stimulus funds from a U.S. DOE
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG).
The city/county government, which hired its first full-time energy manager in 2009, is currently in the early
stages of implementation. According to Blaine Clapper of EnergyCAP, Lexington-Fayette had been considering
purchasing a more robust utility management system for some time, but tight budgets in recent years had been a
concern. "The availability of block grant funds was a key factor in making this project happen," said Clapper. "It’s
a smart investment for Lexington.”
Regarding how much money the government will save using EnergyCAP, Clapper noted that it is common for
first-year savings and cost recoveries to exceed 1% of the user’s annual utility budget, even if aggressive energy
management programs have been in place for some time. In 2008, the city spent over $10 million on natural gas
and electricity in government operations.
James Bush, Lexington-Fayette’s energy manager, is looking forward to the project. “Up until now, our utility
bills and energy use have largely been kept separate. EnergyCAP will allow the city to better manage its energy
use to control costs and identify opportunities for additional savings,” said Bush.
The purpose of the EECBG is to:
-- Reduce fossil fuel emissions in a manner that is environmentally sustainab