Pioneer Valley
Planning Commission

Eric Carle Museum, Amherst, MA

Press Release

CONTACT: Catherine Miller, Principal Planner, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (413) 781-6045
Tony Dover, Sustainable Development Planner, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission (413) 583-5624 ext. 282

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2009

Energy Initiative Informational Meetings and Free Technical Assistance

The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission will hold informational meetings Thursday, May 28, 1:00 p.m. at the PVPC office, 26 Central Street in West Springfield and Tuesday, June 2, 9:00 a.m. at the Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street, Northampton, announcing free technical assistance to member communities to help them save money by reducing energy costs and qualifying for state funds.

With last year’s passage of the Green Communities Act, the commonwealth created the Green Communities Program articulating five criteria that define a green community (details available at www.mass.gov/energy/greencommunities). PVPC staff will work with member communities to meet these criteria, making the city or town eligible to apply for funds to implement significant energy efficiency measures, construct large renewable energy projects, or pursue other innovative projects that further their efforts to reduce fossil fuel energy consumption.

In addition, municipalities and school districts in the Hampshire and Hampden county areas are invited to participate in a regional performance contract with an energy service company to audit and then reduce energy use in municipal buildings.

Funding for this free technical assistance is made possible by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development District Local Technical Assistance program.

To RSVP for an informational meeting or to arrange a personal visit, contact Tony Dover at (413) 781-6045 or adover@pvpc.org.