Centralia Coal Transition Weatherization Board Supports Energy Efficiency Upgrades at The Juice Box
Centralia, (October 3, 2022) In August 2022 the Centralia Coal Transition Weatherization Board approved a grant award in the amount of $80,145 to support weatherization and energy efficiency improvements at The Juice Box in downtown Centralia, Washington. The building occupied by The Juice Box is over 100 years old and has had failing heating and cooling systems since last winter. With the energy efficiency upgrades and the earlier upgrades for electrical, plumbing, kitchen build out and historic restoration, The Juice Box will provide the local community with a space to gather, host events and provide a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy various activities such as comedy and music shows, trivia nights, family activities and movie nights. The Juice Box opened in August 2021 and occupies a historic building that was once a carriage house in Centralia’s downtown district. For more information on The Juice Box visit https://juiceboxpublichouse.com/
The energy efficient heating and cooling work will be performed by local contractors and anticipated to be completed before the fall season begins.
The Weatherization Board was formed as part of the 2011 Agreement between TransAlta and the state of Washington to transition the Centralia plant away from coal-fired operations with one unit retiring in December 2020 and the second unit in December 2025.
Overview of the Centralia Coal Transition Funding Boards:
Annual payments for the funding boards began in 2012 with the last payment due December 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.