The Connecticut Manufacturers Resource Group (Ctmrg) worked with other manufacturing industry groups, including the Naval & Maritime Consortium and ManufactureCT, to help the University of Connecticut (UCONN) secure a $1.75M grant from the Department of Energy (DOE).
The grant will help fund the university’s DOE Industrial Assessment Center (IAC), which helps small to medium sized manufacturing companies reduce their energy costs and carbon emissions. The IAC will conduct complimentary energy efficiency assessments for 20 companies throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island, and/or New York each year for five years.
According to the Department of Energy, IAC assessments typically identify more than $130,000 in potential annual savings opportunities.
“The key to getting the grant was bringing everyone together to work on this common goal,” CTmrg’s founder, Beth Devine said. “As a result, we have a complete solution for manufacturers who want to improve their energy efficiency.” Devine serves on an advisory panel that assists UCONN’s IAC in implementing the energy assessment program.
At a press conference on the UCONN Storrs campus on May 20, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm announced that the Biden administration will dedicate $7M to free energy assessment programs at additional schools in California, Delaware, Georgia and Texas. Devine attended the press conference with U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes, Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie, Connecticut Secretary of State Denise Merill, and UCONN President Radenka Maric.
The Connecticut Manufacturers Resource Group (CTmrg) helps small and medium sized manufacturers find and take advantage of programs and resources. CTmrg partners with workforce boards and educational institutions, navigates state and federal programs, and vets the best resources available to provide Connecticut manufacturers with a single source of services and information to help them grow their businesses. Contact Us for more information.