Energy Sprout Competition

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Today, Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF) and joint sponsor West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) announce the creation of Energy Sprout, a competition open to all Pennsylvania residents, businesses, and communities with the goal of developing new technology and business models that lead to improved sustainable energy solutions.

“SEF has been dedicated to transforming businesses and informing the public about practices that lead to more sustainable energy use. This competition will focus on three pillars: energy conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy,” said John Costlow, president and CEO of SEF. “Focusing on these areas will lead to models and technology that are not only better for the environment, but can put money back in the wallets of their users.”

Energy Sprout will place entrants into one of two pools, business and individuals or community. First prize winners for the business/individual competition will receive a $100,000 grant, with runners up receiving $25,000 and third place receiving $3,000 in grants. Within the community competition, the winner of the top prize will be rewarded with a $25,000 grant, second prize will be $5,000 and third place will receive $3,000 in grants.

Applicants will need to address a range of questions that include the energy issue or problem to be addressed and the plan to address it using sustainable or renewable technology solutions and practices. Details on exact submission requirements can be found at EnergySprout.org.

“The Energy Sprout competition will seek to identify and showcase businesses and communities who are at the forefront of sustainable energy development in Pennsylvania. WPPSEF is delighted to co-host this event and envisions that such a competition can identify new products, practices, and projects that will enable the increased use of sustainable energy throughout Pennsylvania” said Joel Morrison, WPPSEF director.

All entries must be received by May 3, 2016 through EnergySprout.org, or by mail addressed to The Pennsylvania State University, Attn: Joel Morrison (c/o Energy Sprout Competition), C-211 CUL, University Park, PA 16802. Up to 15 entrants will be invited to make a pre-screening presentation before a judging panel in June 2016. Three entries from each pool will be selected to present their innovation live at Energy Path 2016 on Thursday, June 25.

About Sustainable Energy Fund

Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF), a nonprofit organization, assists energy users in overcoming financial, educational and regulatory barriers to a sustainable energy future. SEF provides a variety of services including financing energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy projects; educating the leaders of today and
tomorrow to create a passion for sustainable energy; and representing the interests of energy conservation, energy efficiency and renewable energy in proceedings before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. Visit www.thesef.org

About West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund

The West Penn Power Sustainable Energy Fund (WPPSEF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that invests in the deployment of sustainable energy technologies that benefit West Penn Power ratepayers in Pennsylvania. WPPSEF investments are
focused in three broad categories:
• Deployment of sustainable and clean energy technologies;
• Deployment of energy efficiency and conservation technologies; and
• Facilitating economic development, environmental betterment, and public
education as they relate to sustainable energy deployment in the WPP
service region.
Visit http://www.wppsef.org for further information.

*The press release above was published by the SEF and WPPSEF. Presentations and Awards will be made at Energy Path on July 28, 2016.