News

Centralia Coal Transition Weatherization Board supports Lewis County Public Utility District energy efficiency programs, Website

For immediate release

Centralia, (March 21, 2017) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Weatherization Board is pleased to announce it has approved a grant to Lewis County Public Utility District (“District) to supplement the energy efficiency programs available to their customers.

The grant amount of $842,250.00 will leverage existing resources to provide qualified customers with technology to improve their home efficiency with ductless heat pumps, support K-12 school energy efficiency improvements as well as supplement existing or pending programs to upgrade windows, insulation, lighting, lighting controls and other custom projects offered to District customers.

The Weatherization Board was formed as a result of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta and the state of Washington to transition the Centralia plant away from coal-fired operations with one unit shutting down in December, 2020 and the second unit in December, 2025. The Mission of the Weatherization Board is to provide funding of projects to improve energy efficiency and weatherization within Lewis County and South Thurston County.

“The grant dollars will leverage the opportunities the District has to offer to improve energy efficiency and weatherization and directly make a positive impact to their customers, whether it be a customer household, school or local business” says Shane Bluhm, Weatherization Board Member. “One of the goals of the board is to support projects that provide cost effective weatherization solutions that demonstrate an energy cost savings for those living and working in the local community. The plan outlined in the District application meets that goal.”

Lewis County Public Utility District is a municipal corporation of the State of Washington, formed by the people of Lewis County to provide electric service. The District maintains an Energy Services department that offers customers a variety of residential, commercial and industrial conservation programs including a free energy audit.

”Partnering with the Weatherization Board will create local jobs, allow for investment in schools, and help maximize the value and comfort from every bit of energy distributed to customers.” – Chris Roden, PUD Power and Business Services Manager.

Funding Boards

Annual payments for the funding boards have been made for the past five years with the last payment due Dec. 31, 2023.  The opportunity to start flowing dollars into projects became effective December 31, 2015.

Weatherization Board ($10M): established to fund energy efficiency and weatherization for the residents, employees, business, non-profit organizations and local governments within Lewis County and South Thurston County; up to $1 million shall be allocated to fund residential energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income and moderate-income residents of Lewis County and South Thurston County;

Economic & Community Development Board ($20M): established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; at least $5M shall be allocated to fund education, retraining and economic development specifically targeting the needs of workers displaced from the Centralia facility;

Energy Technology Board ($25M): established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.

Media Inquiries:                                                          

 Email: coaltransitionboards@transalta.com

 Links: http://www.transalta.com/node/878

Centralia Coal Transition Weatherization Board (CCTWB) supports Reliable Enterprises’ expansion project, Website

For immediate release

Centralia, (February 28, 2017) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Weatherization Board is pleased to announce it has approved a grant to help support Reliable Enterprises in their expansion efforts to become more effective and efficient. The expansion project will convert 5000 square feet of empty warehouse space into offices to accommodate growth in the organization’s programs and to consolidate management into one location.

The grant amount of $84,112.52 will be used to update the 1993 building with energy efficient windows, insulated steel doors, new exterior insulation, LED lighting fixtures and a new 95% high efficiency gas forced air furnace with heat pumps. This project will significantly upgrade the efficiency of the building through effective use of weatherization and energy efficient heating. The improvements are underway and expected to be completed before June, 2017.

The Weatherization Board was formed as a result of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta and the state of Washington to transition the Centralia plant away from coal-fired operations with one unit shutting down in December, 2020 and the second unit in December, 2025.

“This grant greatly supplements the remodel, expansion and consolidation of Reliable Enterprises staff at an existing location that in turn will free up another building to directly serve children and families” says Brett Mitchell, Executive Director of Reliable Enterprises. “This organization was started back in 1977 by a group of local citizens who were concerned about the welfare of adults with disabilities and set up shop in a garage. Over the years the organization has seen many changes to get where they are today, serving children of all ages, providing affordable housing, providing employment opportunities and having the ability to provide a top notch preschool education to all children living in Lewis County. Being able to put our management personnel in one location will help us to facilitate quicker and to be more efficient and collaborative in our decision making.”

Reliable Enterprises is a non-profit organization with a mission to support the growth of disadvantaged and disabled individuals by expanding opportunities in employment, education and affordable housing for children, youth and adults in Lewis County.

“One of our goals as a board is to fund projects that have partnering opportunities with the community and other agencies that provide weatherization programs to expand the impact of the program” says Debbie Campbell, chair of the Weatherization Board. “The board’s decision to fund this project does just that by building on their ability to increase their services to their clients. Congratulations to Brett and his team for thinking outside of the box to apply for and utilize the TransAlta Weatherization Board Funds to improve efficiency in their nonprofit”.

Overview of the Funding Boards

Annual payments for the funding boards have been made for the past four years with the last payment due Dec. 31, 2023.  The opportunity to start flowing dollars into projects became effective December 31, 2015.

Weatherization Board ($10M): established to fund energy efficiency and weatherization for the residents, employees, business, non-profit organizations and local governments within Lewis County and South Thurston County; up to $1 million shall be allocated to fund residential energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income and moderate-income residents of Lewis County and South Thurston County;

Economic & Community Development Board ($20M): established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; at least $5M shall be allocated to fund education, retraining and economic development specifically targeting the needs of workers displaced from the Centralia facility;

Energy Technology Board ($25M): established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.

For more information on the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards visit: http://cctgrants.com

Media Inquiries:                                                          

Email: coaltransitionboards@transalta.com

Links:

http://www.transalta.com/node/878

Centralia Coal Transition Energy Technology Board (CCTETB) supports Twin Transit Electric Bus Charging Station project, Website

For immediate release

Centralia, (January 30, 2017) The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Energy Technology Board is pleased to announce it has approved a grant to Twin Transit to support the introduction of a 100% electric bus to its fleet. This bus is a zero-emission vehicle that operates each day on a single electric charge to its collection of battery cells.

The grant amount of $37,810.00 will support the installation of a 40kW charging station within the Twin Transit bus storage yard. The electrical service will be installed and the charging station will be fully operational with bus daily services beginning February, 2017.

The Energy Technology Board was formed as a result of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta and the state of Washington to transition the Centralia plant away from coal-fired operations with one unit shutting down in December, 2020 and the second unit in December, 2025.

“We are pleased to assist Twin Transit in updating their operation” says Mike Gudeman, Energy Technology Board Member. “Using this latest technology will benefit Twin Transit in lowering fuel costs and provide a positive impact on our environment and community. Making a positive impact to the environment is one of our missions as a board.”

Twin Transit is the business name of the Lewis Public Transportation Benefit Area (“LPTBA”). The LPTBA was established by local voters in 1976 to provide public transportation to the cities of Centralia and Chehalis and began bus service in November, 1977. Each year Twin Transit records approximately 230,000 passengers utilizing the bus services to access employment, school, media, shopping and social services.

“We’re very grateful to the Energy Technology Board for supporting our project” says Twin Transit General Manager Rob LaFontaine.  “We hope the electric bus project will be the start of a new chapter for Twin Transit that results in fuel savings and reduced carbon emissions; receiving financial assistance from the board toward implementation expenses is a wonderful sign of community support.”

Overview of the Funding Boards

Annual payments for the funding boards have been made for the past five years with the last payment due Dec. 31, 2023.  The opportunity to start flowing dollars into projects became effective December 31, 2015.

Weatherization Board ($10M): established to fund energy efficiency and weatherization for the residents, employees, business, non-profit organizations and local governments within Lewis County and South Thurston County; up to $1 million shall be allocated to fund residential energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income and moderate-income residents of Lewis County and South Thurston County;

Economic & Community Development Board ($20M): established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; at least $5M shall be allocated to fund education, retraining and economic development specifically targeting the needs of workers displaced from the Centralia facility;

Energy Technology Board ($25M): established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.

For more information on the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards visit: http://cctgrants.com

Media Inquiries:                                                          

 Email: coaltransitionboards@transalta.com

 Links:

http://www.transalta.com/node/878

Centralia Coal Transition Weatherization Board (CCTWB) supports Historic Fox Theatre restoration project, Website

For immediate release

Centralia, (June 2, 2016)  The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Weatherization Board is pleased to announce it has approved a  grant  to replace an antiquated furnace dating back to 1930 with a new and efficient heating and cooling system at the Historic Fox Theatre in Centralia, Washington. With this upgrade, in coordination with the additional restoration efforts, the Fox Theatre will take one step closer to completion of the restoration project.

The grant amount of $383,843.75 will be combined with other secured funding for a newly engineered, efficient heating and cooling system and will be installed in conjunction with a full roof replacement and south wall restoration. The physical structure improvements to the 85 year old building will take place during the summer of 2016.

The Weatherization Board was formed as a result of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta and the state of Washington to transition the Centralia plant away from coal-fired operations with one unit shutting down in December, 2020 and the second unit in December, 2025.

“Over the past few months the theatre restoration project has received other grants which were the springboard for the Weatherization Board to approve the grant” says Debbie Campbell, Chair of the Weatherization Board. “Funding the grant for a new HV/AC system will warm the theatre in the winter and cool it in the summer giving production cast and patrons a comfortable setting to enjoy events. The board members are excited to see the Historic Fox Theatre restoration project complete the final phases of the structural improvements.”

Historic Fox Theatre Restorations (“HFTR”) is a 501c3 non-profit organization located in Centralia, Washington. Established in June of 2008, HFTR’s sole mission is the restoration of Centralia’s Historic Fox Theatre to its original 1930 grandeur. The 1,000-seat theatre hosts an array of theatre, music and film events and serves as a community gathering place.

“This generous commitment by the Weatherization Board has made the vision of a restored Fox Theatre in Historic Downtown Centralia a reality” says Scott White, President of HFTR.  “The money contributed, combined with a State Grant and other funding is making it possible not only to completely replace the theatre’s HV/AC system and weatherize the building, but it is making it possible to replace the Fox Theatre’s main roof and repair the massive South brick facade of the theatre as well.  Because of this funding the Fox Theatre, by the end of this summer’s project, will be declared officially saved for many generations to come.”

“Consistent with the Weatherization Board’s mission to providing funding of projects to improve energy efficiency and weatherization within Lewis County and South Thurston County it is a goal of the board to promote the economic and environmental benefits that come from improved energy efficiency” says Nancy Hirsh, a member of the Weatherization Board. “HFTR has agreed to work with the Weatherization Board members to design and post an educational display depicting the energy efficiency measures that this new system will have for the theatre. I’m looking forward to working with HFTR on this project.”

Overview of the Funding Boards

Annual payments for the funding boards have been made for the past four years with the last payment due Dec. 31, 2023.  The opportunity to start flowing dollars into projects became effective December 31, 2015.

Weatherization Board ($10M): established to fund energy efficiency and weatherization for the residents, employees, business, non-profit organizations and local governments within Lewis County and South Thurston County; up to $1 million shall be allocated to fund residential energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income and moderate-income residents of Lewis County and South Thurston County;

Economic & Community Development Board ($20M): established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; at least $5M shall be allocated to fund education, retraining and economic development specifically targeting the needs of workers displaced from the Centralia facility;

Energy Technology Board ($25M): established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.

For more information on the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards visit: http://cctgrants.com

Media Inquiries:                                                          

Debbie Campbell, Chair, Weatherization Board

T:  +1 (360) 748-8100 | C: +1 (360) 508-1147

Email: coaltransitionboards@transalta.com

Links:

http://www.transalta.com/node/878

First grant application approved by Centralia Coal Transition Weatherization Board (CCTWB), Website

For immediate release

Centralia, (March 29, 2016)  The Centralia Coal Transition Grants Weatherization Board is pleased to announce it has approved its first grant application submitted by the Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties.

This is the first grant to be approved by the Weatherization Board and will support weatherization services in Lewis County and South Thurston County over a 24 month period.   Members of the Weatherization Board approved the total grant of $727,433.00 and authorized the first payment of $363,716.50 to be paid on April 1, 2016 and the second payment of $363,716.50 to be paid on April 1, 2017.

The Weatherization Board was formed as a result of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta and the state of Washington to transition the Centralia plant away from coal-fired operations with one unit shutting down in December, 2020 and the second unit in December, 2025.

“We knew that the collaborative approach would achieve better results when we were negotiating the phase out of coal powered electricity plants. The TransAlta Energy Transition Bill signed with the State of Washington in 2011, I believe, was THE case study for successful collaboration with environmental groups, community stakeholders, employees and local and State governments,” said Dawn Farrell, CEO and President of TransAlta. “And in return for fixed transition dates to close our plants, we invested $55 million dollars into the communities that would be most impacted by this transition.  I am proud today to say that this agreement is now bearing fruit for the people of the local community.”

“The 2011 agreement between TransAlta and the state was an historic step forward, both in our transition away from coal-fired power and in demonstrating our deep commitment to helping the workers and communities most affected by that transition” said State Governor Jay Inslee. “This first grant supports weatherization projects that will help over a hundred local families make cost- and energy-saving improvements to their homes. I commend TransAlta for their corporate citizenship, and for their support of Washington’s clean energy future.”

The Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties (“CAC”) is a private non-profit 501(c) 3 corporation serving the Lewis, Mason & Thurston County communities since 1966. Under the grant the CAC has committed to expand its current weatherization efforts through the coordination of services with local weatherization providers to support weatherization services to eligible households residing in the Lewis County and South Thurston County.

“The Community Action Council of Lewis, Mason & Thurston Counties is excited to partner with Weatherization Board to provide high quality weatherization services to the eligible families in our local community” says John Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of CAC. “The weatherization program provides conservation measures to residential homes to improve heating and energy-saving efficiencies while creating a safer and healthier home for the occupants. Ultimately, the program improves and preserves the affordable housing stock in our communities. We are looking forward to the launching of this valuable project.”

The Mission of the Weatherization Board is to provide funding of projects to improve energy efficiency and weatherization within Lewis County and South Thurston County. “One of our primary goals as a board is to maximize the financial support we can provide” said Debbie Campbell, Chair of the board. “This project will partner with community and other agencies that provide weatherization programs to expand the impact of the current program, and provide cost effective weatherization solutions that demonstrate permanent energy cost savings for families of eligible households. It fits perfectly with our mission.”

Funding Boards

Annual payments for the funding boards have been made for the past four years with the last payment due Dec. 31, 2023.  The opportunity to start flowing dollars into projects became effective December 31, 2015.

Weatherization Board ($10M): established to fund energy efficiency and weatherization for the residents, employees, business, non-profit organizations and local governments within Lewis County and South Thurston County; up to $1 million shall be allocated to fund residential energy efficiency and weatherization measures for low-income and moderate-income residents of Lewis County and South Thurston County;

Economic & Community Development Board ($20M): established to fund education, retraining, economic development, and community enhancement; at least $5M shall be allocated to fund education, retraining and economic development specifically targeting the needs of workers displaced from the Centralia facility;

Energy Technology Board ($25M): established to fund energy technologies with the potential to create environmental benefits to the state of Washington.

For more information on the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards visit: http://cctgrants.com

Media Inquiries:                           

Debbie Campbell, Chair, Weatherization Board 

T:  +1 (360) 748-8100 | C: +1 (360) 508-1147

Email: coaltransitionboards@transalta.com

Links:

http://www.transalta.com/node/878