IEC 2007 Energy Solutions Workshops,
March 14 & 15, April 3 & 5

Registration Information

March 14: Milliken University, Decatur, IL. Details.
March 15: Rend Lake Community College, Ina, IL. Details.
April 3: Bureau County Extension Office, Princeton, IL. Details.
April 5: Adams County Farm Bureau, Quincy, IL. Details.

Sponsored by the Illinois Electric Council in partnership with Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, USDA Rural Development, Illinois Finance Authority and others.

Learn about opportunities to save energy and lower operating costs through this information-packed workshop! Topics include business energy resources, including free audits, top efficiency recommendations and more. Learn about financial resources such as state loans, USDA grants and loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects; assistance from the Smart Energy Design Assistance Center (SEDAC); EPACT 05 and tax incentives for energy efficiency improvements; and the buzz about green buildings.

Targeted to:
Small and medium business, Ag producers and rural businesses, Electric Cooperatives, Commercial building contractors, Energy educators.
Don’t miss this opportunity to improve your energy bottom line!

Registration information will be sent soon with details about speakers and schedule. For more information, email Info@IECouncil.org or call 217-546-6815

Schedule

8:30 Doors Open, Check in, Coffee and Rolls

9:00 – 10:00 Opening General Session – Illinois Energy Programs
Speakers: Andrea Reiff, DCEO
Don Fournier, Building Research Council, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
Bureau of Energy and Recycling conducts several program aimed at improving energy efficiency, recycling, green building, and renewable energy. Learn about these programs and their availability. One of the programs, the Smart Energy Design Center (SEDAC), provides services through the Illinois Small Business $mart Energy (SB$E) program to promote energy efficiency technical services for small to medium-sized, for-profit businesses. These services help identify opportunities for energy savings through intelligent building design and efficient building components and systems. Information will focus on the national energy situation, services provided by SEDAC, utility rate basics, and how to focus your energy saving efforts.

10:15 – 11:00 USDA Grants and Loans for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Projects
Speaker: Molly Hammond, USDA Rural Development

USDA Rural Development offers grants and loans to help agricultural producers and small businesses reduce energy use, and to help those businesses and electric cooperatives to develop alternative energy systems. Eligible efficiency projects include retrofitting lighting or insulation and purchasing or replacing equipment with more efficient units. Eligible renewable projects include those that produce energy from wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and hydrogen-based sources; the project can produce any form of energy, including heat, electricity or fuel. This session includes information on grant and loan limits, applicant and project eligibility, technical feasibility and the application process.

11:00 - Noon Business Efficiency Measures
Speaker: Ben Sliwinski, Building Research Council, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Building on the discussion of SEDAC resources and top energy efficiency recommendations, this session offers an in-depth examination of the benefits of retrofits and improvements related to lighting, heating and cooling (HVAC) systems, motors, and building envelopes.

12:00 Lunch Exhibitor/Speaker Q & A

12:45 – 1:15 State-based Project Loan Opportunities
Speaker: Eric Reed, Illinois Finance Authority

The Illinois Finance Authority helps to identify and fund projects that benefit Illinois and its economy. Their Renewable Energy Development (RED) Fund can provide loans for projects launched by the end of 2007. This session will provide specifics of the RED loan program and other loan opportunities available through the Authority, including financing for anaerobic digesters and ethanol and bio-diesel production.

1:30 – 2:15 What's the Buzz about Green Buildings
Speaker: Don Fournier, Building Research Council/SEDAC, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

What is a green building? Who determines what green is and how does the process work? What are the benefits of green buildings and how can my business gain from going through the green building process? Who is doing it in Illinois?

2:15 – 3:00 EPACT 05 and Tax Incentives for Energy Efficient Buildings
Speaker: Ben Sliwinski, Building Research Council, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

It’s been more than a year since passage of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which provides for tax credits and tax deductions for residential and business efficiency measures. What projects and appliance upgrades produce tax benefits for owners and contractors? What are the implications for additional federal incentives?

3:00 Final comments, questions if necessary

Provide handouts with extensive additional web resources, final brief remarks address questions handed in during the day.

3:30 Close