FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 18, 2005
For more information contact:

Sandi Garcia, WBC

Small business energy audit program available

CHEYENNE- The Minerals, Energy and Transportation Division of the Wyoming Business Council has a new grant program to assist Wyoming small businesses with an energy audit of their energy use.

The audit will measure energy uses and losses of the small business through a detailed review and analysis of equipment, systems and operational characteristics. Study of each measure will then determine whether improvements can be made to save energy. A final report will alert the small business to savings that may result from energy efficient improvements.

The Minerals, Energy and Transportation Division will award up to a 75% matching grant, not to exceed $4000, towards a standard energy audit. The business is responsible for the remaining 25% cash match. The selection of the energy auditor is subject to review and prior approval by the Wyoming Business Council, Energy Office. Manufacturers may use this energy audit to request abatement of sales tax on energy used in the manufacturing process.

A grant agreement will be generated for each approved participant. Grantees will be paid at the conclusion of the energy audit. The request for reimbursement must include copies of the invoice and proof of payment. Funds are available until June 30, 2005.

For more information contact Tom Fuller at (307) 777-2804 or Dale Hoffman at (307) 777-2805.

The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.wyomingbusiness.org.

###