Pennsylvania Clean Energy Campaign
TREDYFFRIN TOWNSHIP QUALIFIES AS A 'PENNSYLVANIA CLEAN ENERGY COMMUNITY' BY MEETING RESIDENTIAL AND MUNICIPAL
CLEAN ENERGY GOALS
PRESS RELEASE: Tredyffrin Township Qualifies for Free Solar Energy System
(Tredyffrin Township, PA) - It's official! The Township of Tredyffrin is now known as a Clean Energy Community and has realized all goals necessary to receive a FREE 1kW solar PV array from the Pennsylvania Sustainable Development Fund
Specifically, the Township recently exceeded one of its programmatic goals of signing up 7% of its residents for clean, renewable energy by registering 275 additional residents, for an 8% participation rate. This gives Tredyffrin Township one of the highest percentages of clean energy customers in Pennsylvania.
In addition, the Township has made a 5% clean energy purchase for all municipal buildings and has plans to increase that purchase to 20% in 2008. Simply, but dramatically, Tredyffrin has demonstrated its commitment to energy independence, and a clean energy leader in Chester County.
Judy DiFilippo of the Township Board of Supervisors said, "We are delighted that Tredyffrin has achieved Clean Energy Community status. The citizens of our community are to be commended for taking the leadership role in this effort by supporting the PECO Wind program. With encouragement from our Environmental Advisory Council, it was easy to persuade others about the benefits of the program. Congratulations to all," DiFilippo concluded.
"I applaud the township and its residents for making Tredyffrin a Clean Energy Community," said Molly Duffy, Chair of the Environmental Advisory Council. "Many people talk about how they can help the environment, but this township and its residents are actually doing something about it. In great numbers, they committed to buying clean energy. In doing so, they are helping to create cleaner air, a healthier community and energy independence," said Duffy.
The path to becoming a clean energy leader in Tredyffrin began on December 18, 2006 when the Board of Supervisors committed to the Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign, passing a resolution formalizing a plan to purchase 20% clean energy by 2010. Less than one year later, on December 5, 2007, the Township exceeded their goal of getting 7% of their community to sign up for clean energy and pledged to purchase 20% clean energy in 2008, ahead of the required schedule.
"Tredyffrin Township is leading the effort to prove that clean energy is real, it's here, and it's working. Together, the community as a whole will be doing their part to create cleaner air, healthier communities, and energy independence," stated SmartPower's State Director Molly Tsongas.
By virtue of its status as a Pennsylvania Clean Energy Community the Township is now preparing to receive a free 1kW solar energy system, worth $10,000, as a symbol of their leadership from SmartPower and the Sustainable Development Fund. Only 23 communities in Pennsylvania will receive this distinction.
For more background information on the Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign, visit the campaign website: http://communities.trfund.com/.
Tredyffrin Township received a Certificate of Excellence in recognition of outstanding leadership for committing 20% of clean energy by 2010 as part of the Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign by the Clean Energy Council. Thurman Brendlinger, the Energy Program Director of the Clean Energy Council, presented the certificate to (starting from left) Molly Duffy, Chairman of the Tredyffrin Township Environmental Advisory Council, Mimi Gleason, Tredyffrin Township Manager, and Judy D. Filippo, Chairman of the Tredyffrin Township Board of Supervisors.
The Board of Supervisors at their June 18th meeting approved the recommendations by the Environmental Advisory Council to start purchasing clean energy from PECO Wind. The Township will start purchasing 5% of its energy needs from PECO Wind for the remainder of 2007 and purchase 20% of its energy needs starting in 2008, then re-evaluate the provider and percentage annually thereafter.
What is the PA Clean Energy Communities Campaign?
In December, 2006, the Tredyffrin Township Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution committing to the Pennsylvania Clean Energy Communities Campaign. This campaign is a partnership between the Pennsylvania Sustainable Development Fund and SmartPower, a nonprofit organization, whose purpose is to assist communities in the support and purchase of clean, renewable energy. Their goal is to help Tredyffrin Township qualify as Clean Energy Community. Once we have qualified, we will receive a free 1 kW solar energy system worth $10,000 to put on any building of our choice. Tredyffrin Township has already taken the first step towards becoming a Pennsylvania Clean Energy Community by passing a resolution committing to use 20% clean energy for all municipal buildings and facilities by 2010.
Now, we just need 7% of our local residents and businesses to purchase clean energy.
Why should I sign up?
Clean energy comes from renewable resources - primarily wind, sun, biogas, and water. Using clean energy for homes, businesses, schools and houses of worship increases our energy independence and can help stop global climate change. Nothing changes about the way you get your electricity, and signing up can cost as little as $2.50 per month. It's a simple and inexpensive way to make a big difference.
What are the benefits?
Clean energy supports energy independence by using locally produced sustainable energy resources. It reduces electricity demands on the state's transmission and distribution system through the installation of on-site clean energy systems and it reduces emissions of harmful environmental pollutants such as greenhouse gases that cause global warming. The funds collected by the energy companies are used to build new renewable energy production facilities and increase the supply of clean energy.
How do I sign up?
Visit www.cleanyourair.org or fill out a sign up form at the Township building.
What else can I do?
Urge your friends, family and neighbors to sign up. Ask your house of worship, school or local community group to support clean energy. You can track Tredyffrin's progress at the PA Clean Energy Communities Campaign's website: http://communities.trfund.com/.
