Department of Development Awards Nearly $8.5 Million to Support Energy Efficiency Projects in 8 Counties

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - The Ohio Department of Development today announced nearly $8.5 million in grants to support energy efficiency projects in eight counties across the state.

The funding comes from the third round of the Advanced Energy Fund, which allocates a total of $8.5 million to help businesses, nonprofits, municipalities, and educational institutions complete projects designed to reduce energy usage and associated costs.

"When organizations can spend less on their energy bills, they can invest more in what really matters - serving their communities," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. "These grants are making it possible for more schools, nonprofits, and local businesses to commit to their missions and make an even greater impact on the lives of Ohioans."

Nine organizations across eight counties are receiving awards this round for energy efficiency retrofits, LED lighting, chillers, windows and doors, and more.

The first two rounds of the program - announced last year on May 8 and June 11 - provided a total of $8.5 million to 10 organizations across seven counties, including a $910,000 grant awarded to the Montgomery County Convention Facilities Authority as part of a larger, $45 million renovation project at the Dayton Convention Center and a $1.35 million award to help Mansfield Memorial Homes in Richland County update its HVAC and install solar power upgrades.

All projects selected for funding must show a reduction of at least 15 percent in utility energy usage, ensuring a tangible and measurable impact on energy efficiency in their communities.

The following entities will receive third-round grant funds:

Grand Valley Local School District (Ashtabula County) will receive $588,305 to upgrade to LED lighting, install a building automation system and a chiller. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 37.8 percent.

Jefferson Area Local School District (Ashtabula County) will receive $659,314 to upgrade to LED lighting and install a building automation system. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 18.2 percent.

The East Palestine City School District (Columbiana County) will receive $1,363,533 to upgrade building automation systems, and complete LED lighting retrofits at the elementary school, middle school, high school, and board of education buildings. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 72.5 percent.

ARPC/Caddis Heritage Hall, LLC (Cuyahoga County) will receive $711,500 to install new windows, an energy management system, and LED lighting. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 55 percent.

The YUSA Corporation (Fayette County) will receive $1,087,874 to repair compressed air leaks, replace HVAC units, and replace air conditioning units. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 15.5 percent.

Holzer Health System (Jackson County) will receive $338,000 to complete building automations upgrades, install LED lighting, and complete building envelope upgrades. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 15 percent.

The Victoria Theatre Association (Montgomery County) will receive $2,196,000 to complete building automations upgrades, replace a chiller and wintergarden light fixtures, and replace work lights with LED lighting. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 15.2 percent.

Paulding Exempted Village Schools (Paulding County) will receive $961,153 to upgrade to LED lighting and replace a chiller. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 23.7 percent.

Fresh 'n Crisp Farms (Summit County) will receive $592,033 to upgrade LED lighting and HVAC and complete no-to-low cost energy efficiency measures. The project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 15.1 percent.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.