Federal pilot program drives $900,000 of investment in Thurston County – creating a national, replicable model for putting local contractors back to work.
Lacey, WA – Thurston Energy released on its website (www.thurstonenergy.org) a comprehensive report that describes its impact on the local economy. Between January 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011, the program leveraged $650,000 of its competitively won American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to drive $900,000 in investment for energy evaluations and improvements by private owners, local utilities, and credit unions. Thurston Energy has had a positive impact on over 125 jobs locally (energy auditors, building contractors, financial lending specialists, utility contractors, and local business organizations).
- Over 500 homes and 60 businesses have received energy evaluation services
- Over 200 energy efficiency projects completed
- Combined commercial and residential financial savings of over $90,000 annually in energy costs
- Combined reduced energy usage (580,000 kilowatt hours/yr & 35,000 therms/yr)
- CO2 reduction of over 560 tons, equal to taking nearly 100 cars off the road
- Thurston Energy Lenders have provided over $290,000 in energy efficiency loans to the community
A recognized measure of success in energy efficiency is the conversion rate from energy evaluation to building upgrade. A commonly cited national average is 25% – Thurston Energy has reported a conversion rate of 45% for homes, and a 50% for businesses.
“With the suggestions we received from our Thurston Energy evaluation we replaced all of our windows and outside doors, added insulation in our attic, and sealed our heating ducts. We financed these improvements and have found that the energy savings…have saved us enough on our energy bills to pay our monthly loan payment! This was a great investment in our home.” Marylin Ball-Brown, homeowner Olympia, WA.
“I am experiencing nearly a 100% closing rate with clients that went through a Thurston Energy audit and then contacted me to discuss follow-on energy improvements…I’m amazed because we don’t see this success rate in other areas of home remodeling in this recession.” Scott Bergford, Owner of Scott Homes and NW Energy Team
“Thurston Energy connected me with a local lighting contractor to do an office lighting upgrade… saving nearly $4000 a year on my energy bill is a big deal for a small business owner.” Renee Ries, President of Sundodger Ventures and commercial property owner
We have recently published our Program Analysis for 2010-2011 and will be presenting it to the US Department of Energy. For the report and a more detailed press packet with statistical information, please contact Annette Roth, Marketing and Outreach Manager at Annette@ThurstonEnergy.org / (360) 528-2112 / EDC (360) 754-6320
About Thurston Energy
Started in January of 2010, Thurston Energy is a local program, run as a partnership between the Thurston Economic Development Council and the Thurston Climate Action Team. A Washington State University Energy Program funded by federal stimulus dollars, Thurston Energy’s mission is to create jobs and reduce carbon emissions through energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades.
